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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 JAMADA ALAWWAL 5, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Chinese India boosts Alghanim Chahal sinks naval fleet spending on Industries England as arrives in rural poor as opens flagship India clinch Kuwait3 cash21 ban bites Wendy’s31 store series20 2-1 Emirati foreign minister Min 06º Max 12º defends Trump visa ban High Tide 02:83 & 14:40 Russia calls for Syria’s return to Arab League Low Tide 09:35 & 21:52 40 PAGES NO: 17129 150 FILS ABU DHABI: US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on Delays in health Amir attends Janadriyah fest in Riyadh citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations is not anti- Islam, the United Arab Emirates foreign minister said insurance to end yesterday. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, whose country like neighboring Saudi Arabia is a close ally of after key meeting Washington, said it was “wrong to say” that the decision by the new US administration was “directed against a KUWAIT: The health ministry finally responded to particular religion”. calls to act and end the crisis resulting from halting “The United States has made... a sovereign decision,” quick services at health insurance departments that he said at a joint press conference with his Russian had resulted in unbearable crowds and long queues counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, pointing out that it was outside these departments. The delay has affected “provisional” and did not apply to “the large majority” of transactions of thousands of companies, Al-Rai said the world’s Muslims. In his defense of the ban which has in a report published yesterday. During a meeting stirred widespread protests across the globe, Sheikh held on the instructions of Health Minister Jamal Al- Abdullah also said that some of the countries on the Harbi, who is currently aboard, on Tuesday evening blacklist had “structural challenges” on the security front between the health ministry and the Public Services that they still had to overcome. “This is a temporary ban Company (PSC), both sides agreed to resume swift and it will be revised in three months, so it is important services for companies’ transactions. that we put into consideration this point,” he added. Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr Khaled Al- Trump’s controversial executive order on Friday sin- Sahlawi stressed that although the minister was gled out citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, abroad to attend WHO meetings and was checking Syria and Yemen to prevent “radical Islamic terrorists” on Kuwaiti patients receiving medical treatment in from entering the United States. But the 90-day ban, various countries, he was very keen on resolving the which could still extend to other states, has exempted problem and contacted both the health ministry Muslim-majority nations associated with major attacks in the West. and the company’s officials to reach a legal solution. Of the five major Gulf oil monarchies, the only one to Sahlawi said he met PSC CEO Musaed Al-Saeedi express even mild disapproval in public was Qatar, and agreed on resuming the quick services from whose foreign minister was quoted during a visit to yesterday at the Jabriya health insurance center. Serbia as saying he hoped Washington would reassess Sahlawi strongly commended PSC, noting that, as a it. Some Gulf officials even backed it openly. Dhahi Kuwait Finance House subsidiary company, it has RIYADH: (From left) HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Saudi King Khalfan, a senior Dubai police official, tweeted on been providing the service for 14 years without Monday “complete support” for Trump’s ban. “Every costing the ministry or the state budget anything. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa attend the Janadriyah festival yesterday. — SPA (See Page 2) country has the right to protect its security ... Trump, Continued on Page 13 what you’re doing is right.” Continued on Page 13 Trump names pick for top court Gorsuch to shift Supreme Court balance WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, seizing an unusual early opportunity to put conservatives back in the majority on America’s top court. In a primetime address late Tuesday that was part jurisprudence, part reality show, Trump tapped the 49-year-old appeals court judge from Denver, Colorado. If confirmed by the Senate, he will fill the seat made vacant by the death of Antonin Scalia nearly a year ago and tilt the balance of the court five-to-four in conservatives’ favor. The elegant, silver-haired jurist with a flair for writing incisive rulings is the youngest nominee in a genera- tion. His appointment could have a major impact on cases ranging from business regulation to gender rights to gun control. After unprecedented hyping of the Israeli police clash with settlers in the West Bank outpost of Amona yesterday. announcement, Trump invited Gorsuch and his wife to Israeli forces began evacuating this controversial settlement, which is the largest emerge dramatically before an audience in the East of about 100 unauthorized outposts erected in the West Bank without permission Room of the White House. “Here they come. Here they but generally tolerated by the Israeli government. — AP (See Page 8) come. So was that a surprise? Was it?” said Trump, ever the showman. “He could have had any job at any law firm for any For Israeli settlers, amount of money, but what he wanted to do with his career was to be a judge, to write decisions, and to make an impact by upholding our laws and our Kushner’s their man Constitution,” Trump said. Despite the razzmatazz, Gorsuch was a remarkably orthodox pick for a president BET EL, West Bank: For many in the Israeli sparked particular enthusiasm in the com- who has scythed through norms and precedent during settlement of Bet El, deep in the occupied munity: David Friedman, who chairs the his brief time in office. Like Scalia, Gorsuch is considered West Bank, Donald Trump’s choice of Jared American Friends of Bet El Institutions an “originalist” - guided in his legal thinking by the con- WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump applauds as he stands with Judge Neil Kushner as his senior adviser on the Middle fundraising group. The White House did not stitution’s original intent and meaning. Gorsuch in East Room of the White House on Tuesday after announcing Gorsuch as East is a sign of politics shifting in their immediately respond to requests for com- Continued on Page 13 his nominee for the Supreme Court. — AP favor. They regard Kushner, whose family’s ment from Kushner and Friedman. Kushner, charitable foundation has donated tens of a businessman who built his career on real thousands of dollars to their estate and publishing, has said settlement, as part of a diplo- little about his views about one matic rebalancing after what of the world’s most intractable UN chief calls for lifting US ban they view as eight years of anti- conflicts, either during the cam- Israel bias under the US admin- paign or since Trump took office. NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who served as UN refugee chief for 10 groups for failing to quickly condemn the travel istration of Barack Obama. The big question for the Guterres yesterday called for lifting a US ban on years before his election as secretary-general. “I ban and make a pressing appeal to Trump to “He will stand up for our Palestinians is whether he can travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, strongly hope that the US will be able to re-estab- scrap it. His first formal statement on the issue interests. I suppose he will lean be an impartial actor given his saying the measures would not prevent terrorists lish its very solid refugee protection in resettle- came on Tuesday, four days after the ban was in our favor,” said Avi Lavi, 46, family foundation’s past financial from entering the United States. “I think that ment and I hope that the Syrians will not be enacted. The UN chief met with new US ambassa- who has lived in Bet El for more ties to Bet El. Palestinian these measures should be removed sooner rather excluded in that process.” dor Nikki Haley on Friday for what he described as than 40 years. “He’ll be fair, as President Mahmoud Abbas has than later,” Guterres told reporters. “Those meas- Trump’s decision triggered protests and chaos a “very constructive” conversation about the rela- opposed to Obama, whose poli- Jared Kushner been careful to say he looks for- ures indeed violate our basic principles and I at airports while UN human rights chief Zeid bin tionship between the new administration and the cy leaned always towards the Arabs.” New ward to working with the Trump adminis- think that they are not effective if the objective is Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein declared it illegal and United Nations. US President Trump says his son-in-law tration, but others are less optimistic. Wasel to, really, avoid terrorists to enter the United “mean-spirited”. Guterres, who took over from Asked about the US threat of a major funding Kushner, 36, is capable of brokering the Abu Youssef, a senior official at the Palestine States,” he said. South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon on Jan 1, argued that cut, Guterres declined to comment, saying he did “ultimate deal” to deliver peace between Liberation Organization, the main The appeal to end the travel ban came amid a banning citizens from Muslim countries would not want to speculate on what possible decision Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinian political umbrella body, said mounting international outcry over the 90-day US not prevent terrorist organizations from mount- lay in store. The United States is by far the UN’s entry restrictions on citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, ing an attack on the United States. biggest financial contributor, providing 22 per- Roi Margalit, manager of the Bet El Kushner could not be a neutral envoy if he Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. US President “We are dealing with very sophisticated terror- cent of its operating budget and funding 28 per- Yeshiva, a seminary complex with around was supportive of Israeli settlements. Donald Trump signed an executive order on ist organizations,” he said. “If a global terrorist cent of peacekeeping missions, which currently 400 students, said Kushner, an Orthodox Hani Al-Masri, a political scientist and Friday enacting the immediate ban and also sus- organization will try to attack any country like the cost $7.8 billion annually. “It’s no surprise that the Jewish father of three, understood the posi- director of the Palestinian Center for Policy pending the arrival of all refugees for a minimum United States, they will probably not come with UN has to treat the refugee ban very delicately,” tion of Israeli settlers better than previous Research and Strategic Studies, said of 120 days while Syrian refugees were barred people with passports from those countries that said Martin Edwards, director of Seton Hall envoys. “At least now we have someone Kushner would be a representative of Israel indefinitely. are hotspots of conflicts today. They might come University’s Center for United Nations and Global who knows us,” the 43-year-old added. “He rather than of the United States. “If he Addressing the US suspension of refugee with the passports from the most - I would say - Governance Studies. “The UN faces hostility from will now have to study the other side (the attempts to resume negotiations, he will resettlement and the ban on Syrians, Guterres developed and credible countries in the world or both the legislature as well as the White House,” Palestinians) and see if there is any com- seek to hold them at a lower level than pre- again appealed to the US administration to they might use people who are already in the he said. Guterres said he was hoping to visit mon ground.” vious negotiations. reverse course. “Resettlement is the must from country.” Washington to meet with Trump, but that no date Trump’s pick for Israeli ambassador has Continued on Page 13 the point of view of refugee protection,” said Guterres had been criticized by human rights had been set for the talks. — AFP LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

RIYADH: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is pictured with Saudi King Salman Al-Saud. — KUNA Al-Sabah waves as he prepares to leave back to Kuwait. Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Amir attends ‘Janadriyah 31’ Festival in Riyadh

RIYADH: His Highness the Amir Egypt as this year’s guest of honor. nent sport competitions at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber The festival, organized by the event. The festival also includes Al-Sabah attended yesterday the National Guard, includes races and cultural activities, symposiums, lec- opening ceremony of the National local music performances, is tures, seminars, and dancing of Festival for Heritage and Culture expected to draw over one million Ardha (folk dance), in addition to ‘Janadriyah 31,’ which was patron- visitors. an honoring of three Saudi distin- ized by King Salman bin Abdulaziz The event highlights heritage guished personalities; Ahmad Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia. and modernity of the Kingdom of Mohammad Ali, a banker, The event is to see participa- Saudi Arabia. The opening cere- Abdulrahman Al-Shebaili, media tions by Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, mony kicked off with camel racing, figure, and Sofia bint Said bin His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Qatar and Oman, in addition to which is one of the most promi- Zegar, a formative artist. — KUNA attend a camel race held as part of the ‘Janadriyah 31’ festival.

Members of the accompanying delegation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. A scene from a camel race held as part of the ‘Janadriyah 31’ festival. Author celebrates Amir’s anniversary

KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Mustafa Behbehani, Salah Al-Oufan, Author Dr Abdullah Bowair, and veteran meteorolo- Dr Abdullah Bowair honors Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi. gist Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi attend the ceremony. -—Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

By Nawara Fattahova Speeches of His Highness the Amir Sheikh of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, some memories with His Highness the Amir. he was one of them,” he quipped. Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’ during a Deputy Prime Minister, Prime Minister and “Now I only see with one eye, hear with one The attendees congratulated the author KUWAIT: On the occasion of the 11th ceremony on Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza finally assumed power on January 29, 2006,” ear, and walk with one foot, but I remember for publishing the book. This was followed anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Hotel. Bowair spoke about the various posts he said during the ceremony. many funny incidents. When I was a teacher by a documentary about His Highness the Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s His Highness the Amir has held. “His Dr Saleh Al-Ojairi, the oldest and most at the Sharqiya School, Sheikh Sabah Al- Amir Sheikh Sabah, his life and his speech- assumption to power, author Abdullah Highness the Amir has occupied many famous Kuwaiti astronomer, also attended Ahmad was a young boy, and when the es. Then the author also signed copies of Bowair released his latest book ‘The important positions including the Minister the ceremony. Aged 97, he can still recall boys where naughty, I punished them, and his book.

Dr Abdullah Bowair honors guests at the event. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 LOCAL

Chinese officers from the 24th Chinese navy pose for a picture with Kuwaiti officials next to a Harbin destroyer. —KUNA Chinese officers from the 24th Chinese navy are welcomed upon their arrival. Chinese navy fleet arrives at Shuwaikh Port

By Faten Omar between the two navies through identifying Aden, which is where the three ships operated maritime capabilities and modern technology immediately prior to the tour. China’s growing KUWAIT: A reception ceremony was held yes- used in our units. We also have an opportuni- military export business is seeking to establish terday at Shuwaikh Port in the presence of the ty to conduct moves in Kuwait’s territorial a foothold in the Gulf states, which have some Chinese ambassador, fleet commander and a waters and economic zone during the visit,” of the highest defense budgets in the world,” representative of the Kuwaiti armed forces for Alati said. He stressed that Kuwait’s navy is Wang added. a Chinese naval fleet that arrived on a five-day looking to strengthen and increase coopera- The guided-missile destroyer Harbin, the friendly visit to Kuwait. The three Chinese tion between the two navies at the operation guided-missile frigate Handan and the com- navy vessels, which include a helicopter carri- and strategic level. prehensive supply ship Dongpinghu, forming er, docked at Shuwaikh Port with 700 service- the 24th escort taskforce of the Chinese PLA men aboard. “The visit is part of a program to Second time Navy, embarked on their foreign port-call voy- exchange military expertise between the two Chinese Ambassador Wang Di said that age after completing the mission of providing countries,” said Navy Squadron Commander this is the second time for Chinese naval ships escort for merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden Hazza Mutlaq Al-Alati. to pay an official visit to Kuwait, after an earli- and the waters off the Somali coast. While He said Kuwait and China have a long his- er visit five years ago. “We wish to improve China’s navy regularly tours the world and its tory in various fields like politics, economy, relations between the two countries. During ships patrol off the coasts of Yemen and culture and military, and Kuwait is proud it the visit, naval officers from the two countries Somalia as part of international anti-piracy was the first country in the Gulf Cooperation will exchange views to enhance friendship operations, such visits to Gulf Arab states are Council (GCC) that established diplomatic and further learn from each other,” he said. rare. Kuwait is the last leg of the Chinese naval relations with China back in 1971. “Kuwait will “Chinese vessels have played an important fleet’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the KUWAIT: Chinese officers from the 24th Chinese navy are seen onboard a Harbin destroyer, which have the chance to exchange experiences role in keeping pirates at bay in the Gulf of United Arab Emirates. arrived as part of the Chinese fleet at Shuwaikh Port yesterday. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Chinese Ambassador Wang Di poses with Chinese Naval Task Group Chinese Ambassador Wang Di delivers his speech. Navy Squadron Commander Hazza Mutlaq Al-Alati delivers his speech. Commander Rear Admiral Bai Yaoping. Court orders alternative house Smoking kills six million for polluted area resident every year: Dr Awadhi By A Saleh Environment at the Environment oil sector had started recruiting. Public Authority (EPA) Mohammed KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Al-Enezi had previously announced Licenses Global anti-smoking conference opens in Kuwait Housing Welfare (PAHW) contacted that the area had never been pollut- The companies sector at the the Fatwa and Legislation ed according to studies conducted Ministry of Commerce and Industry KUWAIT: The Global Anti-Smoking Department demanding follow up of by EPA, the Ministry of Health, stressed that co-ops could have International Alliance Conference a court order mandating it to allo- Kuwait Institution for Scientific independent commercial licenses kicked off yesterday, under the aus- cate an alternative house to a citizen Research and Kuwait University. issued to practice any commercial pices of His Highness the Crown who sued it on grounds that Um Al- activity with the condition that a Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Haiman, where the original house is, Certificates separate license is issued per activi- Jaber Al-Sabah. In a speech to open is too polluted. The authority Kuwait University announced ty. This came in response to an the conference, Chairman of Kuwait sources said the environmental providing graduates certificates inquiry made by the Ministry of Society for Smoking and Cancer expert commissioned to assess pol- quickly so that they could join the Social Affairs and Labor about the Prevention Dr Abdulrahman Al- lution levels in the area made a mis- local labor market and find suit- legality of such activities at various Awadhi said that smoking is one of take, and if all judiciary procedures able jobs. KU’s graduates depart- co-ops, said informed sources, not- the leading causes of death around are completed and the verdict ment and the records department ing that this would help improve co- the world. remains the same, the authority will exerted considerable efforts to ops’ revenues, but at the same time Moreover, he cited a report by the only compensate this particular citi- issue the certificates before the set might create competition between World Health Organization (WHO) as zen. Notably, Director of Industrial date on Feb 5 on hearing that the co-ops and small entrepreneurs. showing that the epidemic claims the lives of six million people every year. On global efforts to stifle growing nicotine addiction, Al-Awadhi Health Minister values KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Society for Smoking and Cancer Prevention revealed that most nations have now Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi speaks during the conference. —KUNA London’s office efforts spiked prices for cigarettes and tobac- 32,237 traffic tickets co products, a measure he described She also pointed out that 40 percent Similarly, Secretary General of the Gulf issued in one week LONDON: Kuwait’s as an effort to kick the habit for good. of men in the Middle East are smok- Anti-Smoking Committee Anwar Health Minister Dr Meanwhile, regional advisor for ers, foreboding that the figure is Burahma said that people of all age Jamal Al-Harbi valued WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) in expected to quadruple by the year groups are susceptible to smoking, not- By Hanan Al-Saadoun yesterday the financial the Middle East Dr Fatima Al-Awa not- 2025. The WHO official explained that ing that the number of deaths caused and security responsi- ed a global commitment to stave off the tobacco industry is a “cutthroat by smoking could skyrocket to 10 mil- KUWAIT: Traffic police launched several inspection cam- bility efforts exerted by diseases causing premature death. business with a tremendous following.” lion people by the year 2025. — KUNA paigns in various areas from Jan 22 to 28, said security the director of the sources noting that the campaigns resulted in filing Kuwait Health Office in 32,237 tickets, impounding 147 vehicles, arresting 51 London recently to drivers for committing serious traffic violations, and refer- protect public funds. New Cancer Control Center ring two expats to deportation for driving without dri- Dr Faisal Al-Shahab, Health Minister ver’s licenses. the Office’s director, in Dr Jamal Al-Harbi cooperation with the to be completed by 2019 British police, was able Worker injured to bust the foreign employees involved in embezzle- multi-floor parking for 2,000 vehicles, associate cancer with death. A construction worker was injured when he lost con- ment acts in the office, Harbi said, adding that legal By Meshaal Al-Enezi 23 wards and 11 surgery rooms built Also speaking on the occasion, trol and fell near a building under construction that he charges have been filed against these workers by the over a total area of 293,000 sq m. the head of GCC Cancer Awareness worked at in Jaber Al-Ali area, said sources at the British authorities. KUWAIT: Al-Sabah Medical Zone Sarraf stressed that the GCC Week’s executive supreme commit- Kuwait Fire Services Directorate, noting that the man As a result of that incident, the health ministry is Director Dr Afrah Al-Sarraf Cancer Awareness Week reflects tee Dr Khaled Al-Saleh said this who was unable to move was rushed to Adan hospital going to adopt strict measures, including strict audit- announced the completion of 15.12 Kuwait’s and GCC states’ keenness on week’s slogan is ‘40-40’, which for treatment. ing and revision on the financial statements of cases percent of the new Cancer Control boosting awareness on cancer. KCCC means that reducing and avoiding of medical treatment abroad at all Kuwaiti health Center that is expected to be fin- director and the head of the GCC carcinogenic elements would offices, he affirmed, noting that the ministry is to con- ished by 2019. Speaking on the side- Cleaning operation Cancer Awareness Week’s joint com- reduce the incidence of cancer by tract international audit institutions in that regard. lines of marking GCC Cancer Kuwait Municipality announced launching a cleaning mittee Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi said 40 percent, while early detection The ministry will also implement the e-linking Awareness Week at Faisal Sultan bin operation at Kubbar Island, during which they removed MoH has been annually marking this will reduce another 40 percent, application between its health offices and depart- Essa Center for Radio Diagnosis and 40 bags of garbage and leftover wastes. Commenting on week in February. He also pointed especially since 102 out of every ments of medical treatment abroad and financial Radiotherapy under the auspices of the operation, the cleaning manager, Meshaal Al-Azmi out that rates of healing from cancer 100,000 annually develop cancer- affairs departments in order to prevent reoccurrence Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi, have reached 80 percent in Kuwait related diseases in Kuwait, with said that the campaign led by him, included three other of such incidents involving financial frauds on public Sarraf said the new center would and that it was a wrong concept to breast cancer the most common. municipality officials and 10 cleaning workers. funds, said the Kuwaiti minister. — KUNA include 618 beds including 90 in ICU, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 LOCAL

In Brief Amir congratulates Amir congratulates Ward opened new AU chief, deputy new AUC chief at Irbil hospital KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah IRBIL: Kuwait’s Al-Najat Charity society Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yesterday a cable Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yesterday a announced yesterday that it had sponsored to Guinean President Alpha Conde, congratulat- cable to newly elected chairman of the African the opening of a ward at a private hospital in ing him on being elected as a new chairman of Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Irbil which receives people injured in the mili- the African Union (AU) during its recent 28th ses- Mahamat. Similar cables were also sent to him tary operations in the city of Mosul. The soci- sion in Addis Ababa. He also sent a cable to by His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown ety is set to open several other humanitarian Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika, congrat- Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- projects in the city in the coming months, ulating him on being elected as a new deputy Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh head of the health committee at Al-Najat said chairman of the AU. — KUNA Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA yesterday. — KUNA

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A multicolored butterfly captured in a photo. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr Helal Al-Sayer meets with US Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Sayer and Ambassador Silverman discuss issues during their meeting. Lawrence R Silverman. — KUNA US envoy applauds Kuwait’s Kuwaiti academics laud organization of Abu Dhabi’s Global Space Congress humanitarian initiatives ABU DHABI: Kuwaiti academics partak- took part in the celebrations to launch an ing in the Abu Dhabi’s Global Space Arab-funded satellite at the National Congress lauded yesterday the organiza- Aeronautics and Space Administration KUWAIT: US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence action and an outstanding and pioneering expressed admiration of the KRCS’s efforts to tion of the event which will hopefully (NASA). Kuwait Foundation for the R Silverman has lauded the positive effects of player in this domain, Silverman told aid refugees in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and neigh- lead to the launch of several space pro- Advancement of Science (KFAS) and KU Kuwait’s humanitarian initiatives on regional reporters following his meeting with boring Syrian countries. grams in the region. were part of the team that funded the satel- and international humanitarian action. Kuwait Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society Silverman noted that he follows up the role Speaking on the sideline of the event, lite project, said Jasser. has been a backer of global humanitarian (KRCS) Dr Helal Al-Sayer on Tuesday. He played by the KRCS in Iraq, Yemen, Syria to which began yesterday, the Kuwaiti academ- Meanwhile, KFAS official Dr Bassem Al- effectively and responsibly respond to the ics said that they had participated in several Faili said that he was impressed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation there. He workshops held on the sideline of the con- congress and the UAE’s ability to host added that he got acquainted with the KRCS’s gress, stressing that such participation was such grand events. The fellow GCC and contributions to the international efforts to crucial for the development of more scientif- Arab country is taking the right steps deal with natural and man-made disasters. ic and space programs within the GCC. towards partaking in the world’s space The KRCS’s humanitarian and relief efforts are Dr Halah Al-Jasser, from the Physics ambition especially after it launched its distinguished and crucial for countering inter- Department of Kuwait University (KU), said own Space Agency in 2014, he said. The national humanitarian challenges, he said. that Kuwait was keen on partaking in events Global Space Congress began Tuesday The US envoy stated that he, and his promoting space programs in the region, with the participation of 600 scientists, accompanying delegation, have discussed adding that recently a Kuwaiti delegation experts, and academics. — KUNA with the KRCS chief means for boosting coop- eration and coordination for the betterment of international humanitarian action. Meanwhile, Sayer stated that the US dele- gation was briefed about the KRCS efforts in the region and worldwide. The delegation was thoroughly informed about the KRCS relief programs for Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Somalia, he told reporters adding that the KRCS would expand its regional and international efforts in the coming stage. He stressed that the KRCS is doing an impressive job in many disasters-hit countries around the world. He reiterated the KRCS’s commitments towards helping people in dis- tress and cooperating with the relevant regional and international agencies to deliver Dr Halah Al-Jasser Dr Bassem Al-Faili Dr Sayer and Ambassador Silverman discuss issues during their meeting. aid to them in the right time. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Municipality to develop vital projects in Kuwait City KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality is set to Meanwhile, the municipality’s deputy execute several projects to boost econo- director-general for projects Engineer my and commerce as well as attract Nadia Al-Shereeda said the Abdullah Al- tourists to the capital, Kuwait City. The Ahmad street projects will involve a resi- projects’ plan includes establishing a dential area and a heritage village to center for entertainment, culture and showcase Kuwait’s history. She added education in Abdullah Al-Ahmad Street, that it will also include a center with cin- the municipality’s Director-General emas, a conference area, an ice-skating Ahmad Al-Manfouhi said yesterday. rink, restaurants, coffee shops and other Another vital project is the first business means of entertainment. Shereeda also zone in Mirqab residential area, where noted that the municipality will develop foreigners could have full ownership of Souk Al-Mubarakiya traditional market tax-free residences, he added. and its surrounding areas. — KUNA

Rasha Al-Roumi, Chairperson and CEO of Kuwait Airways (center) poses with flight and cabin crew. Kuwait Airways’ third Boeing 777-300ER arrives Official national carrier maintains delivery schedule; to be in service Q3 2017

KUWAIT: Following the arrival of its first two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, in December 2016 and January 2017, Kuwait Airways, the official The project’s location on Kuwait City’s map. national carrier of the State of Kuwait, has wel- comed the arrival of the third of 10 aircraft on order, landing at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) at 16:30 hours local time, on Tuesday. Kuwait acknowledges youth efforts Sporting Kuwait Airways’ new livery and in development process: Ambassador branding, the third wide-bodied, “Extended Range” aircraft has been named “Kathma” - fol- NEW YORK: By engaging the youth in many try’s future policies. lowing the theme of naming the new aircraft international and local events, Kuwait Some of these initiatives are the launch of after place names in the country. Kathma is a acknowledges the efforts by this sector of two e-portals: one for encouraging volun- town situated just North West of the capital, society, and calls for gearing their energy teerism and the other for youth training. The Kuwait City. towards achieving the country’s sustainable goal behind creating these e-portals is to The new Boeing 777-300ER will enter service development goals for 2030, in addition to invest in their time and to raise the level of within the week and will be immediately realizing the United Nations’ conventions and their competence, the Kuwaiti diplomat said. deployed on some of Kuwait Airways’ most pop- laws, said a Kuwaiti diplomat. The country has other strategic plans ular, long-haul routes, including: New York, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to geared toward revising international laws, London, Paris and Rome; with other routes - the UN Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi legislations and agreement related to youth namely to the airline’s Far East destinations - to The new ‘Kathma’ - B777-300ER. made this remark in his speech at the 6th UN in order to create a supportive environment have use of the new aircraft sometime during Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth for this segment of the society, he added. the upcoming Summer Schedule. The arrival of The Airbus aircraft are set to start delivery in bers and regain its place as a competitive Forum, which kicked off January 30. Otaibi Otaibi also said that the Youth Ministry has the third aircraft matches the schedule outlined 2019. With these new additions, Kuwait Airways’ regional player in the aviation sector,” said Rasha lauded the UN for taking the youth under its been active in many international youth between Kuwait Airways and Boeing to have all claim is that it will have the youngest commer- Al-Roumi, Chairperson and CEO of Kuwait wings and encouraging them to promote the forums and events and has signed many 10 aircraft delivered and in commercial service cial airline fleet, in the world, by 2021. Airways. organization’s and its subsidiary bodies’ goals local, regional and international agreements before the end of Q3 2017. “The ongoing progress we have been wit- “I would like to take this opportunity to thank towards sustainable development. Following related to youth. The Youth Forum is held Kuwait Airways’ “Transformation Strategy”, as nessing at Kuwait Airways, in recent months, is all the stakeholders - and true patriots of Kuwait the steps of the UN, Kuwait has strived to pro- annually by the UN Economic and Social revealed in September of last year, is the driving something of great pride that we want to share - who continue to offer their unwavering sup- mote the role of its youth in all domains. It Council (ECOSOC) since 2012. It offers young force behind the many changes and fleet addi- with the Kuwaiti people and the nation as a port for Kuwait Airways’ ambitions; a mission established the Ministry of State for Youth people an opportunity to voice their opin- tions being seen at the airline, over the last few whole. These new fleet acquisitions are part of that will reassert a sense of pride in the official Affairs in 2013 to collaborate efforts and to ions, share ideas, and think together about months; additional fleet acquisitions with Airbus the bedrock of our new philosophy and commit- national carrier, as well as the country’s interna- encourage initiatives that guarantee young what they can do to achieve sustainable - 10 A350 and 15 A320neo aircraft - will also be ment to see the official national carrier of Kuwait tional standing in both the aviation and travel adults’ participation in mapping their coun- development. — KUNA part of a 35-strong fleet of brand new aircraft. continue to grow market share, passenger num- communities,” Roumi added.

KUWAIT: Information Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for the Department of Media Services Yousef Mustafa inaugurates Kuwait’s second conference and exhibition on social responsibility. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Assistant Undersecretary Yousef Mustafa and other officials pose for a photo at Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s booth at the exhibition. Social responsibility linchpin of development: Official

KUWAIT: Social responsibility is a Kuwait’s national strategy for sus- philanthropy and volunteerism, rather, virtue that is incumbent upon the tained development. it encompasses abidance by laws and nation’s public and private sectors to Moreover, he noted that the two- respect of human rights. Meanwhile, attain development, an official in the day conference, which is sponsored by Chairman of the Arab Society for Ministry of Information (MoI) said yes- Minister of Information and Minister of Social Responsibility Sultan Al-Bazghi terday. In a speech to open Kuwait’s State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman applauded Kuwait for hosting such second conference and exhibition on Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, events that center around admirable social responsibility, Assistant will delve into this virtue given how qualities. He also described social Undersecretary for the Department of crucial it is for overall growth and responsibility as a form of conduct Media Services Yousef Mustafa said development. On social responsibility, that is obligatory on all segments of that this notion is embedded in Mustafa said that it is not limited to society. — KUNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 LOCAL Crime Report Al-Anbaa Rapid-firing Man deported Grilling for ‘peeping’ KUWAIT: An Egyptian man was arrested for peeping into a Trump ladies’ fitting room while a female diplomat was trying some garments, said security sources. Although the diplo- By Salah Al-Sayer mat dropped charges to avoid repeated visits to the police and court for legal procedures, the expat was referred to deportation. Meanwhile, further investigations revealed few days ago, I mentioned that the threats that the man is also wanted for a KD 700 financial claim. made against ‘Radical Islam’ by US APresident Donald Trump during his inau- Search for thief guration are directed at us Arabs more than at anybody else. But Arab countries do not repre- A Bangladeshi man reported that an unidentified per- sent all Muslims, who mainly live in countries like son stopped him in Zahra area showing a police ID and Indonesia, India, the central Asian republics, searched him. The man added that the suspect, who turned out to be a thief, assaulted him and stole KD Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and China. 1,720 in cash that were in his possession. A case was Whenever news breaks about a terrorist act filed and a search is on for the suspect. associated with Islam, all eyes turn to the Middle East because of the amount of extremism in our Teenagers arrested for theft societies, which have turned into venues for vio- lence and reservoirs of radicalism. The criminal court sent two teenage girls to a juvenile care President Trump’s inaugural speech, which house after they were arrested while breaking to open some vehicles and stealing their contents. also mocked US elite politicians, confirmed that Arabs were the ones targeted by his threats, rather than all Muslims. He banned entry visas for Fight

A Syrian man and a Lebanese salesman were arrested Al-Jarida for fighting in Nugra, said security sources. The Syrian This does not mean that customer engaged in an argument with the salesman after noticing that a pair of trousers he bought from his countries not listed on this ban shop was damaged. The salesman refused to exchange Al-Anbaa it, which caused the fight, the sources added. list have been given international approval Singer hurt Shocking answers A young Kuwaiti singer is currently hospitalized at Al-Razi hospi- Iranian passport-holders, along with those of sev- tal pending a surgery after he sustained pelvic and nose frac- By Saleh Al-Sayeji eral other Arab countries: Yemen, Syria, Iraq, tures when his vehicle collided into a truck while he was driving Sudan, Somalia and Libya. This American decision on the way back from Julaia. The singer said that he was check- f the seven countries subjected to the 90- mulated, piling up while Israel is still waiting. I might soon turn into an international one, espe- ing WhatsApp messages on his phone while driving at 120 kilo- day ban on entry to the United States, believe Israel is about to file a complaint at the cially given that Trump intends on forming an meters per hour when he drove into the back of a truck. only Iran made threats against the US. UN, urging Hamas and Hezbollah to carry out O anti-radical Islam alliance from ‘civilized’ nations! And in an expected action, the parliament in their ‘shocking threats’! The purpose of the ban is to spread chaos in Family feud Iraq - that is heavily influenced by Iran - called Back to the US. What steps can Iran take in for discussion on President Donald Trump’s response to President Trump’s ban? What does the targeted countries because of the domi- A fierce fight took place amongst cousins attending a executive order. it have as leverage, or is it merely the same old nance of radical Islam, which provides safe- wedding ceremony in Farwaniya, said security sources, In fact, taking into account how shocking its fuss from Tehran and its followers that the havens for extremism and eventually begets ter- noting that none of them pressed charges despite the fact followers’ reactions usually are, perhaps Iran’s world has grown accustomed to? Why doesn’t that some of them sustained injuries during the melee. rorism. However, the world realizes that political threats are not all that strange. For instance, Iran focus on the interests of its people, instead Islam does exist in other Arab countries. So, this Hamas threatened Israel with a ‘shocking’ reac- of making idle threats it is incapable of carry- does not mean that countries not listed on this Expired residencies tion to the killing of Ahmed Yaseen 13 years ago. ing out? ban list have been given international approval. That was followed by another threat for the For over 40 years now, Iran has been carrying Farwaniya detectives arrested three expats whose residen- If some political analysts’ predictions prove true, cies were expired a year ago, said security sources. killing of Abdul Aziz Al-Rantisi. Israel is still wait- out all forms of evil. All it has got in return is the ing for both! misery of its people, poverty and the world’s the war against anti-radical Islam is progressing, The Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon is also hatred. How long will its leaders maintain this will take many forms and will run on many fronts Employee insulted addicted to ‘shocking’ responses, threatening disgraceful situation? The great nation of Persia, at a rapidly accelerating pace. This is made clear Israel after the assassination of Emad Mughniyya which greatly contributed to building civiliza- by Trump turning his electoral promises into A female employee at the Ministry of Interior filed a com- and issuing a series of threats whenever a party tion, deserves more! Translated by Kuwait Times plaint against a citizen accusing him of insulting her while on action! — from Al-Anbaa leader is assassinated. Those threats have accu- —Translated by Kuwait Times duty. A case was filed. —Translated from the Arabic press KIB provides wheelchairs to Al-Amiri Hospital

KUWAIT: On a recent visit by the bank’s grams and initiatives; a concept embed- Corporate Communications Unit team to ded in the very essence of our social the Hospital, Kuwait International Bank responsibility philosophy. Healthcare (KIB) donated wheelchairs to Al-Amiri continues to be one of our biggest plat- Hospital, as part of an ongoing initiative forms, as we are keen on promoting a aimed at providing moral and financial greater sense of health consciousness support to the local healthcare sector. across the community in Kuwait.” During the visit, a team from KIB’s KIB believes that its role goes beyond Corporate Communications Unit met the provision of banking services, as it with Hospital Director Dr. Fatima Al- adopts an array of social initiatives that Asoumi, who expressed her gratitude for serve to better the community and cater the Bank’s ongoing efforts to support the to the needs of people across all seg- healthcare sector, praising KIB’s various ments. The Bank has devoted a major social responsibility initiatives dedicated part of its leading social responsibility to promoting health awareness and program to the area of health. healthcare development. Throughout the year KIB offers its strate- Nawaf Najia, Manager of the gic sponsorship to leading healthcare Corporate Communications Unit at KIB, organizations and initiatives, and focuses said: “KIB is constantly working to on promoting awareness regarding key enhance the lives of different segments health issues affecting Kuwait’s society, in the community through ongoing pro- such as cancer and diabetes. NBK launches national song on National Day occasion A commemorative Gift to the People of Kuwait

KUWAIT: On the occasion of Kuwait’s anniver- followers can watch the song through NBK social numerous cultural, community and social sary of independence and the anniversary of lib- media channels on YouTube NBKGroup and activities and charities carried by Kuwait is eration, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), in anoth- Facebook NBKGroup or Instagram @ NBKGroup performed by the famous Kuwaiti singer er first-of-its-kind initiative, launched a special and Twitter @NBKpage. Special competitions are Abdullah Al-Rewaished as a commemorative musical production held with valuable prizes for NBK social media gift for Kuwait and to raise awareness towards presented as a com- followers. social responsibility and to encourage youth memorative gift to It is worth mentioning the participation of to volunteer.” Kuwait. Kuwaiti swimming champion Fai Al Sultan and “The unprecedented National song is a Titled ‘Baqoon’, the world champion in free skydiving Osama Najaf piece of art that is rich in connotations and national production, in this national production. Both heroes reflect- invokes remarkably vivid community-related consists of a series of ed the cultural progressive side of the country. associations. It will be a part of NBK’s social tableaux that depict Also, to be noted the efforts of the Ministries of program on the occasion of National Day that the social responsibili- Interior, Defense, the Red Crescent Society and includes a host of activities and functions that ty carried by Kuwait. many other partners who also had a remarkable highlight the spirit of the celebration,” Mattar The song is revealed contribution in this initiative. added. NBK reinforced its position as a lead on Al-Rai and Kuwait Manal Al-Mattar, NBK Public Relations contributor to the development of the Kuwaiti TV stations as well as in Assistant General Manager said: “This society through its commitment to corporate Manal Al-Mattar cinemas. Social media unprecedented musical work featuring social responsibility.

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry concluded yesterday the 38th training course on aircraft safety and protection. A total of 45 officers from different Interior Ministry department participated in the course, which took place at the General Department of Special Forces’ building. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Dissident US diplomats Indonesian women seeking to become IS suicide bombers defy Trump travel ban

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MOSUL: An Iraqi officer inspects drones belonging to Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. — AP IS using drones, other innovative tactics Islamic State flying machines guide suicide bombers

MOSUL: First the tiny drones buzz overhead to observe smaller makeshift factory by a researcher in Mosul, Iraq, Iraqi soldiers. Then, the Islamic State group’s flying indicates that the group is testing small drones, which are machines return to drop a small explosive device to sow normally used as playthings, with deadly intent. The panic among security forces - or deadlier still, to help guide researcher, Vera Mironova, is a labor economist by training a suicide car bomber to a target. And the innovations are and said her discovery of the drone paperwork - which expected to keep coming since IS has been spending freely includes lists in English and Arabic of parts and one file on technology, even as their fighters face intense pressure marked ‘Tool Kit’ that is a checklist of several dozen of the from coalition forces, according to Iraqi military officials. essentials - is a sign of what is essentially a program to let The extremist group is hacking store-bought drones, using machines make up for a shortage in manpower. Items 1-5 rigorous testing protocols and innovating tactics that mim- were GoPro and chargers; battery cable; laptop; explosives; ic those used by US unmanned aircraft to adapt to dimin- and devices. ishing numbers of fighters and a battlefield that is increas- Mironova, a fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy ingly difficult to navigate on the ground. School of Government, said the use of drones to both drop The Associated Press visited a warehouse this week in explosives and to direct more deadly payloads is an adap- the Shura neighborhood, the largest drone workshop tation to the decrease in the number of attackers available. uncovered so far, and saw accounting spreadsheets with Early in the Mosul fighting, she said, suicide bombers tend- purchases totaling thousands of dollars a month for drone ed to be deployed haphazardly more to frighten than to equipment. One receipt dated just a few months before kill. But it didn’t take the group long to need a new the Mosul operation began recorded the purchase of wires, approach. Iraqi security forces report seeing drones used silicon, electrical plugs, cables, rotors and GoPro cameras. by IS for surveillance as early as 2015 in the fight for Other receipts logged in spreadsheets included food deliv- Ramadi in Iraq’s western Anbar province. ery orders of fried chicken, taxi fares and repair costs to the The first hints of the new tactics came in early 2016, house’s hot water heater. when Turkish forces in northern Iraq saw toy-like drones overhead and then, within 15 minutes, were attacked by ‘Air observation division’ accurate incoming fire, according to Jonathan Schroden, Scattered among the stacks of paper were bits and director of the Center for Stability and Development at An Iraqi officer holds a book found in a drones workshop - belonging to Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. — AP pieces of the drones themselves. Most were destroyed by the Center for Naval Analyses. “From there it was pretty extremists. “First they come to observe and then they will said that IS has shown itself to be innovative both with IS as they retreated, Iraqi officers at the factory said. But clear where that was headed,” Schroden said. “They will return carrying bombs,” Maj Firas Mehdi said, cautioning men and equipment. “It’s pretty amazing to see how they pieces of styrofoam wings, fins and radio transmitters look to continue to mimic what the US and Western mili- the AP journalists with the Special Forces unit to remain are mimicking Western militaries do just using commercial remained, piled up in the corners of the factory on a recent taries have done with drones. They would look to inte- under cover during an outing in December. Mehdi himself off the shelf technology,” Schroden said. “All of this is sort of visit. All the accounts were headed “board of development grate the kill chain.” had been hit with shrapnel in his leg when a drone driven by what the commercial sector develops.”— AP and military manufacturing,” some sub-headed “air obser- dropped a small bomb on his position a week earlier. vation division.” Handwritten notes instructed IS drone Drones direct attackers A small, black rotary drone flew over their position from operators to write daily “mission reports” and monthly With Mosul’s streets filled with debris, the drones can the IS held neighborhood just a few hundred meters away. reports “about the challenges and difficulties you face as serve as a way for their operators to direct people on the Two Iraqi Special Forces soldiers rushed Mehdi into a con- well.” In all, a half-dozen of the storehouses to make and ground - including suicide attackers - to an open path to crete house for cover while half a dozen more spread out modify the drones have been found recently in Mosul. bloodshed. The planes loaded with explosives do less actu- into the street and fired wildly into the air. An Iraqi Special A cache of documents also obtained this month in a al damage, but can sow panic among troops fighting the Forces officer told the AP this week that at least three Iraqi troops had been killed by the drones and dozens injured. Iraqi Special Forces Brig Gen Haider Fadhil said in addition to conducting surveillance and dropping bombs, the drones were being used to guide car bombs in real time.

Purchased in Turkey? “They were giving instructions by radio to the suicide driver and following his progress” by video feed. “But many of these planes were shot down by our forces, and we jammed their control frequencies, which made some of them crash,” Fadhil said. An Iraqi intelligence officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to journalists, said he believes most of the drone parts were being purchased in Turkey and smug- gled into Iraq through Syria while others were being large- ly made from scratch. “Some of the designs are so simple, there’s very little technical difficulty,” he said. The little fixed-wing planes and choppers have appeared in several IS videos online showing the drones observing Iraqi troop movements from the air and suicide car bombs hitting their targets. In a Skype interview, Mironova, who contributed to an analysis of the docu- MOSUL: An Iraqi officer holds a drone belonging to Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. — AP ments for the Countering Terrorism Center at West Point, INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Israel evicts settlers from West Bank outpost

AMONA: Israeli police began evicting dozens of sary to any violence,” he said. hardline Jewish settlers from a wildcat outpost yes- Youths confronted the forces with chants such terday, just hours after unveiling plans for 3,000 as “How will you feel tomorrow after you evacuate new homes in other West Bank settlements. a Jew from his home?” and “Today it’s me, tomor- Hundreds of officers marched into the Amona out- row it will be you,” as police began evacuating post near Ramallah to carry out the evictions them from the area. Earlier, some women holding ordered by the High Court after it determined the children left their homes, as youths barricaded homes were built on private Palestinian land. themselves inside. Teenage girls wrote slogans It marked the end of months of attempts by about their right to the land of Israel on the walls government hardliners to legalise the outpost, and of the caravan homes, soon to be demolished. the announcement of the new homes elsewhere in Protesters said that they would not leave will- the occupied Palestinian territory was widely seen ingly but that they would not resort to violence as a sop to their supporters. There had been fears against the police. “We won’t be going, they’ll have of violence after hundreds of hardline sympathiz- to take us,” Amona resident Rivka Lafair, 19 said. ers of the settlers slipped past army roadblocks on Far-right lawmaker Moti Yogev, whose Jewish foot and lit tyres around the outpost. Some threw Home party is part of Israel’s governing coalition, stones at the media as residents started packing joined the settlers in a show of solidarity. He said their belongings, an AFP correspondent reported. that the demolition of the outpost was “a bad deci- Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP sion” but that the new homes announced by the there were around 3,000 officers in and around defense ministry late on Tuesday were some com- Amona to move the 42 families, “and hopefully pensation. “Yes, Amona will be destroyed, but people will evacuate the area peacefully and quiet- against Amona we are going to build 3,000 new ly.” He estimated that another 600 people who homes,” he said. The former US administration of were not from the outpost had arrived for the evic- Barack Obama despaired of Israel’s accelerating AMONA: Hardline Jewish settlers, supporters of the Amona outpost, northeast of Ramallah, are tion. “We’re hoping that things will go relatively settlement expansion which it regarded as the moved away by Israeli security forces at the wildcat settlement, in line with a High Court ruling that calmly and quietly. We’re ready to respond if neces- biggest obstacle to Middle East peace. — AFP determined the homes were built on private Palestinian land. — AFP

Iran confirms missile test, ‘Profits of doom’ denies breach of nuke deal

Mosul mechanics swamped as bombs shatter city TEHRAN: Iran confirmed yesterday program. “The United States is not that it had tested a ballistic missile, but naive. We are not going to stand by. MOSUL: Business is booming for Mosul car repair Families need cars posted around the city. denied that was a breach of its 2015 You will see us call them out,” she said. shop owner Khaled Younes, a sign of the havoc Several car repair shops are located along a The cost of vital repairs can hammer families’ nuclear deal with world powers. The Tehran warned Washington against wreaked on the Iraqi city that has become the grimy, dusty lane on the eastern outskirts of finances, especially at a time when many people comments from Defense Minister using the issue to fuel tensions. “We focus for the international war on Islamic State. Mosul, overlooking a potholed highway. They are unemployed and waiting for the local econo- Hossein Dehghan came after the UN hope that Iran’s defense program is not Suicide bombers, improvised explosive devices, have been there for decades. Some businesses my to recover while the government struggles to Security Council met Tuesday to dis- used by the new US administration... as mortar attacks and airstrikes have wiped out there were closed after Islamic State swept into find funding for reconstruction. “A rocket hit my cuss the weekend test, which a pretext to create new tensions,” everything in their path, including parked cars, Mosul in 2014, largely unopposed by the army. house and part of the house landed on my car,” Washington described as “absolutely Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad and pulverized much of the northern city that Others went bust or were subject to the whims of said Raghid Mohamed, a 35-year-old teacher, unacceptable”. “The action was in line Zarif said ahead of the meeting. was once a bustling trade hub. the militants, who often imposed new taxes to referring to his battered 1990 Mazda. Beside him, with boosting Iran’s defense power The row comes against a backdrop The twisted metal wreckage of vehicles can be fund their war against Baghdad. For those shops market trader Nizzar Jassem, 50, said it would cost and is not in contradiction with the of already strained relations between seen on many streets. “Business is great. It is up by that remain open, profits have never been so him 600,000 Iraqi dinars ($500) to fix his car, dam- JCPOA (the nuclear deal) or Resolution Washington and Tehran over US 50 percent,” said Younes, instructing workers to hefty. One rickety truck arrived with about a aged by a piece of rubble that crashed on it after 2231,” Dehghan said. President Donald Trump’s travel ban on attend to customers as he frantically glued dozen bullet holes in its windshield, probably the an airstrike, while his monthly income is only He was referring to a UN Security citizens from Iran and six other together the windshield of a vehicle damaged by work of one of the many Islamic State snipers 200,000 dinars. — Reuters Council resolution that bans Iran from Muslim-majority countries. Some 220 a mortar bomb. He and fellow car repair business developing missiles that can carry Iranian lawmakers signed a motion owners are just about the only people turning a nuclear warheads. “This test was in line yesterday endorsing the boosting of profit as US-backed Iraqi forces press ahead with with our ongoing programs,” Iranian Iran’s defense capabilities, the Fars an offensive to drive Islamic State out of their last media quoted him as saying. “We have news agency reported. “The Islamic urban stronghold in Iraq. previously announced that we will exe- Republic of Iran’s only way to deter the Mosul’s public transportation has been devas- cute the programs we have planned in enemy’s aggression is its missile pow- tated by months of fighting. The mechanics are production of defense equipment er,” the motion said, calling the pro- struggling to keep up with a growing number of meant for our national interests and gram “an unavoidable necessity” for customers who desperately need their cars to get objectives. Nobody can influence our protecting national security. The to work and bring home food and other provi- decision. “We will not allow foreigners European Union, which helped broker sions. Demand is set to rise further. So far, Iraqi to interfere in our defense affairs.” the nuclear deal, had appealed to forces have cleared Islamic State out of eastern Iran’s ballistic missile program has Tehran to refrain from activities such as Mosul. The next phase of the operation - attack- been a bone of contention with the the missile tests, “which deepen mis- ing western Mosul - is bound to bring in even more destruction. Mosul is the largest city held by West since the nuclear deal took effect trust.” the jihadists and could prove pivotal to the fate of in January last year, triggering the lift- Visiting French top diplomat Jean- it self-declared caliphate of land of seized in Iraq ing of international sanctions. Iran says Marc Ayrault said Tuesday he had and Syria. its missiles do not breach United made clear to Zarif his disquiet over Iraqi military officials say the militants will put Nations resolutions because they are the missile tests, calling them “contrary up a ferocious fight to preserve their hold on the for defense purposes only and are not to the spirit” of the Security Council city. That means more suicide bombs, car bombs designed to carry nuclear warheads. It resolution. Britain also said the test was and mortar and rocket attacks. The widespread has missiles with a range of up to 2,000 “inconsistent” with UN resolutions, but damage to cars in Mosul speak volumes about kilometers, sufficient to reach Israel as stopped short of calling it a violation. the intensity of battles over the last three months. well as US bases in the region. But Moscow, which is fighting along- Islamic State car bombs often wreck other vehi- side Tehran’s forces in Syria, leapt to its cles parked along streets. US-led airstrikes cleave ‘Not naive’ ally’s defense. Deputy Foreign Minister rooftops, sending heavy pieces of cement crash- US ambassador Nikki Haley told Sergei Ryabkov said Iran’s missile test ing down on cars. Mortar attacks fire shrapnel at KHAZIR: A displaced Iraqi woman, who fled the violence around the northern Iraqi city of Tuesday’s Security Council meeting did not breach Resolution 2231 and great speed across streets - it tears through every- Mosul, sits inside a trolley as she waits to receive food aid at the Al-Khazer refugee camp that Washington would not stand idly accused Washington of “heating up the thing in its path, often killing or maiming people. some 40 kilometers east of Arbil. — AFP by while Tehran pursued its missile situation.” —AFP

After setbacks, where do Syria rebels stand?

BEIRUT: Forces loyal to President Bashar Al- recent months. ”The rebel movement has defini- threatened central Damascus and the lines of Assad have dealt another blow to the faltering tively lost Damascus,” said Fabrice Balanche, an communication towards the outside,” Balanche Syrian rebel movement, regaining control of a analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East said. “But today, they are on the defensive, divid- strategic area near Damascus at the weekend. Policy. He said that Syria’s army and allied militia- ed, encircled and without hope of victory,” he The capture of the Wadi Barada area is another like Lebanese movement Hezbollah-have said. Assad’s regime had essentially won a war of setback for rebels after the loss of the second city methodically chipped away at rebel-held towns attrition, Balanche said, “counting on being able of Aleppo in December, the biggest blow to the around the capital since 2013. “The most rational to wear down communities bombarded, opposition since the conflict began with anti- rebels are seeking a way to negotiate an amnesty besieged, and at the mercy of rebel groups”. “It government protests in March 2011. with the Syrian government. For others, their took more than four years, but the regime can only hope is to be moved to Idlib,” Balanche said. consider itself victorious, even if it faces pockets What happened in Wadi Barada? of resistance.” Syrian government forces took back Wadi Where does this leave rebels? Barada outside Damascus on Sunday after a deal Nearly six years since Syria’s uprising broke What is happening in Idlib? that saw hundreds of rebels leave for opposition- out, many of the opposition movement’s most Northwest Idlib province, which borders held Idlib province in northern Syria. Wadi Barada important gains have been rolled back. They Turkey, is the main remaining bastion for Syria’s is the main source of water for the capital, and have lost much of the territory they had captured weakened opposition fighters. But the province the government accused rebels of deliberately around Damascus, and suffered their biggest has been rocked by opposition infighting for cutting off supplies since December 22, leaving defeat yet in December when government forces more than a week, as Fateh al-Sham Front bat- 5.5 million people without water. Rebels said took full control of Aleppo. Rebels now hold just tles former rebel allies. Aymenn Al-Tamimi, an government strikes had damaged pumping 13 percent of Syrian territory, according to expert in jihadist movements, has said the fight- infrastructure. But they eventually agreed a deal Balanche, including the province of Idlib where ing could escalate to an existential war that that saw 700 rebels and 1,400 civilians leave Wadi former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh Al-Sham Front Fateh al-Sham would not be willing to lose. Barada for Idlib, according to the Syrian holds sway. Elsewhere, the armed opposition Some rebels have sided with Fateh Al-Sham, Observatory for Human Rights. The government holds part of the Eastern Ghouta region near while others have supported the powerful Ahrar has struck similar so-called reconciliation deals in Damascus and some territory in central and Al-Sham, once a key ally of the former Al-Qaeda at least six other areas around the capital in southern Syria. “In 2013, rebels’ repeated attacks affiliate. — AFP

ALEPPO: United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi (right) visits the old city of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Curitiba prison - humble home to Brazil’s fallen mighty

CURITIBA: The list of inmates’ names looks like the jailed this week in a standard Rio de Janeiro insti- the books,” Moura explained. There’s a good reason off their sentence each time. Even though, the sys- members’ directory at an exclusive club. But these tution. Unlike many other white collar crime sus- why these prisoners might want to read: If they tem makes sure no one cheats: Inmates are tested former Brazilian ministers, congressmen and execu- pects he dropped out of university, a decision he complete one book a month they knock four days on whether they really read the text. —AFP tives are not clinking glasses - they’re cooling their may now regret as he sits crammed in an over- heels in prison. The Penal Medical Complex in the crowded cell. southern city of Curitiba houses some of Brazil’s Even for the luckier college graduates, prison most illustrious or infamous prisoners, men who must feel a very long way from their past lifestyles until recently knew power and wealth but after of chauffeurs, bodyguards, glitzy mansions and fan- being snared in a huge corruption probe now live cy cars. “They all need time to adapt and some can three to a 12 meter square cell. suffer a certain amount of depression,” Luiz Moura, They include the once powerful Jose Dirceu, the prison chief for Parana state where Curitiba is who was chief of staff for then president Luiz Inacio the capital said. “If they need psychological treat- Lula da Silva. On the other side of the political ment we give it so that they can accept their new divide there’s Eduardo Cunha-the seemingly reality and realize that the social conditions they untouchable speaker of the lower house who engi- had outside no longer matter.” neered the impeachment last year of Lula’s chosen successor Dilma Rousseff. Honest wages Men used to giving orders and speeches are Men accused of stealing millions can now earn submitted to long periods of enforced silence, with more modest amounts with a bit of honest work. two hours a day outdoors and a shared television Dirceu was one of the country’s biggest high-fliers, screen as their few creature comforts. The best at one point touted as a possible successor to Lula known prisoners here are targets of Brazil’s gigantic before Rousseff took that slot. He was incarcerated anti-corruption drive codenamed Operation Car in Curitiba after being convicted of receiving an Wash. Prosecutors have unraveled a network of illegal payment of $3.12 million, part of which was bribes and embezzlement centered on state oil meant to pay for a Cessna airplane. One of current- giant Petrobras and involving politicians, lobbyists ly eight Operation Car Wash prisoners in Curitiba, and executives. he is serving a 20 years, 10 month sentence. In Curitiba, suspects and convicted men are He gets paid 45 reais ($14) a month to deliver spared the real horrors of many Brazilian prisons books to other inmates-although he doesn’t escape CURITIBA: Demonstrators protest against corruption in front of the Federal Justice Palace in Curitiba, thanks to an odd law which sends people with uni- a 25 percent tax on his earnings. “It’s not a librari- Brazil with signs that read “STF (Supreme Federal Court), don’t give in to the criminals” and “Car Wash, versity diplomas to better facilities. However, one an’s job because he isn’t qualified for this. It’s just thank you, we support you!” Brazil’s federal police have a relatively new tradition of coming up with big name brought down in unrelated bribery alle- distributing books, bringing them to cells and tak- creative titles for their operations, with a focus on original names that are attractive to the public, gations-Brazil’s former richest man Eike Batista-was ing them back, as well as cleaning and maintaining such as “Lava Jato” or “Car Wash” - the investigation into the Petrobras corruption scandal. — AFP Dissident US diplomats defy Trump travel ban Get behind or resign, White House warns

WASHINGTON: A group of US diplomats with that agenda, that does call into question memo reads. Trump’s order bans the arrival of declared their opposition to President Donald whether they should continue in that post or citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Trump’s travel ban Tuesday, despite the White not,” Spicer told reporters. “This is about the safe- Syria and Yemen for at least 90 days. All refugees House warning that they should get behind his ty of America.” According to leaked drafts of the are barred for 120 days, while Syrian refugees agenda or resign. A large group of diplomats memo, the US envoys argue that Trump’s deci- are blocked indefinitely. from posts around the world submitted a “dis- sion to suspend refugee arrivals and ban visitors The order triggered mass protests at US air- sent memo” through an official State from seven mainly-Muslim countries is a betrayal ports, as arriving refugees and travelers from the Department channel, a spokeswoman con- of American values. targeted countries were turned away, and firmed. When it was reported on Monday that “We are better than this ban,” they declare, stoked outrage around the globe. The State such a memo was being prepared, Trump’s scorning Trump’s plan to introduce “extreme vet- Department’s internal “dissent channel” was cre- spokesman Sean Spicer issued an extraordinary ting” for visa applicants as a “high, vague and ated during the Vietnam War. The last time it was warning that the officials “should either get with nebulous bar” for travelers from the seven coun- used was in June 2016, when about 50 diplo- WASHINGTON: Sen Cory Gardner, R-Colo (center) joined by (from left) Sen John the program or they can go.” tries to meet. “A policy which closes our doors to mats urged president Barack Obama to recon- Barrasso, R-Wyo, Sen John Thune, R-SD and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Trump’s White House argues that the ban is over 200 million legitimate travelers in the sider his opposition to US military strikes against of Ky speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. — AP necessary to slow arrivals from countries hopes of preventing a small number of travelers Syria. But its use just 10 days after a new presi- plagued by violent extremism while his adminis- who intend to harm Americans from using the dent was inaugurated-and even before Trump’s What controversy? Trump’s US tration draws up tough new rules to weed out visa system to enter the United States will not nominee for secretary of state has been con- Republican base still on his side potential terrorists. “If somebody has a problem achieve its aim of making our country safer,” the firmed-is unprecedented. —AFP

WASHINGTON: Though Donald Trump’s “But right now, he’s still speaking to the first week in office has ignited nationwide working men.” Interviews with several vot- protests and condemnation from elected ers across the nation back up what polls officials at home and abroad, the indicate: more than 80 percent of Republican’s initial moves have left one Republicans approve of Trump’s initial pres- group all smiles. The conservative base that idential performance, according to a recent launched the new US president to his Quinnipiac poll. Nearly three-quarters of shock November victory has by and large Republicans said they believe it is “strongly” voiced satisfaction with Trump’s bold exec- or “somewhat” necessary to ban those from utive actions-including his controversial Muslim-majority countries to prevent ter- decree that closed United States borders to rorism, showed a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Just 19 refugees and barred entry to travelers from percent of Democrats agreed. Other stud- seven Muslim-majority countries. “I ies also indicate a stark division among US couldn’t be happier,” said Josette White, a voters: Republicans support the president, 44-year-old owner of an online crafting and Democrats roundly reject him. business from West Virginia. “He’s doing “We need to keep our country safe, exactly what he said he was going to do.” whatever it takes,” said Milan Davich, a 66- “Except for convicting Hillary, but I year-old Pennsylvanian who considers understand that,” she added, referring to himself a political independent. For Trump’s Democratic former rival. Last Davich, that includes Trump’s order to build May, White waited in line more than six a wall on the US-Mexico border: “they hours to attend one of the billionaire’s should electrify the damn thing, and put campaign rallies. And she remains con- machine guns and barbed wire on top of vinced that the CEO-turned-commander- it.” And when it comes to the hundreds of in-chief will change business as usual in thousands of people who have taken to Washington. “Most politicians promise, the streets in outcry over the new presi- promise, promise,” said the Republican dent’s policies, Davich has little patience. voter, whose father and grandfather “They’ll protest every damn thing he does worked in coal mines. for the next four years.” —AFP

Canada ‘trash radio’ under fire after mosque attack MEXICO CITY: Mexican peasants burn an ‘Alebrije’, traditional Mexican figure, with the face of US President Donald Trump in front of the US embassy building during a protest against the wall between Mexico and US borders, in Mexico City. — AFP QUEBEC CITY: In the wake of recent car- repeat over and over that Quebec is in nage at a Quebec City mosque, the grave danger.” Canadian province’s popular conserva- Station managers did not respond to tive talk radio hosts have come under fire requests for an interview. There is no ‘Viva Mexico!’ - Trump’s wall for allegedly spreading intolerance and indication that the suspect arrested in hate. Critics say the talk shows fuel a divi- connection to the attack at the Quebec sive climate that allows extreme ideolo- City mosque on Sunday listened to these awakens Mexican patriotism gies to take root and flourish-a claim that radio stations. His online activities, how- has taken on heightened relevance after ever, suggest that he supports political a gunman with far-right sympathies leaders including Republican US MEXICO CITY: Mexicans are replacing profile that I have seen in my life,” Slim said, urging presidential election runnerup Andres Manuel opened fire on Muslim worshippers, President Donald Trump and French far- pictures on social media with their country’s flag. Mexicans to support Pena Nieto’s negotiations Lopez Obrador, applauded the move. But Pena killing six and wounding eight more. right politician Marine Le Pen. Muslims in Others are calling for boycotts of American prod- with the US administration. Nieto’s popularity appears to have had a limited While not pointing a finger at any par- the Canadian province lay the blame for ucts like Coca-Cola and Starbucks. US President bounce. An opinion poll published in the daily ticular person or organization, Quebec rising Islamophobia squarely at the foot Donald Trump’s vow to make Mexicans pay for a ‘Proud to be Mexican’ Excelsior on Tuesday showed his approval rating Premier Philippe Couillard emphasized of local right-wing talk radio. Some sta- massive border wall has not only caused a diplo- Pena Nieto, whose popularity fell to 12 per- rising by a handful of points to 16 percent-though Tuesday that “words do matter.” Residents tions “have made it their mission to matic row, it has sparked patriotic fervor south cent earlier in January after protests erupted the survey was conducted only among 400 of Quebec City tend to vote more conser- increase distrust and hate of Muslims,” of the border. On Twitter, Facebook and over an increase in gasoline prices, has seized on Mexicans and had a five-point margin of error. vatively than the rest of the province. said Mohamed Yangui, head of the Instagram, people are using the hashtag the renewed patriotic pride. In a video message Some say that radio stations like local Islamic cultural center and mosque that #WeAreAllMexico, punctuating anti-Trump late Monday, he touted this “national unity” and Wrapped in flag FM93 and Radio X-which are respectively was attacked. tweets with cries of “Viva Mexico!” and boasting said it “must be the cornerstone of our strategy “Mexico tends to be a nationalist country the region’s second and third-most lis- that they live in “the best country in the world.” and our actions inside and outside the country.” when it is attacked from outside,” said Damaso tened to in the region, with a combined ‘Spokesperson for racism’ President Enrique Pena Nieto’s spokesman, his He boasted: “Today like never before, I feel proud Morales, a foreign relations expert at the National 30 percent market share-simply reflect “Their comments are often over the foreign and finance ministers, and government to be Mexican.” Pena Nieto vowed to be firm in Autonomous University of Mexico. “Throughout their audience’s views. But others say the top and blundering,” said Leman- departments have made the country’s green, his defense of Mexico’s “dignity and independ- our history, we have wrapped ourselves in the shows stoke dangerous beliefs. Langlois, recalling a one-hour episode white and red flag their profile photo on Twitter. ence” from the US government, though he said flag and thrown ourselves into a nationalism that “These are right-wing talk radio sta- last fall in which Prime Minister Justin A slew of hashtags encourage Mexicans to that his phone conversation with Trump on could even be irrational,” Morales said. Morales tions with little substance but a lot of Trudeau was said to be an agent of the stay away from American goods: Friday “opened spaces” for the two governments was referring to the story-some say legend-of a opinions,” said Stephane Leman-Langlois, Muslim Brotherhood determined to #AdiosProductosGringos (goodbye gringo prod- to continue their dialogue. Jesus Velasco, an cadet who draped himself with the Mexican flag a criminologist at Laval University, where Islamize Canada. “There is really an ucts), #AdiosStarbucks, #AdiosMcDonalds and expert on US-Mexico relations at Tarleton State and jumped to his death from the Chapultepec the alleged shooter studied. These “trash examination of conscience to do on the #AdiosCocaCola. Telecommunications magnate University in Texas, said that fixing ties “will take Castle in Mexico City rather than live to see US radio” stations, as they have become part of these radio stations.” His words Carlos Slim, the world’s fourth richest man, a while” because “the damage has been done.” forces grab it during a war in 1847. But Javier known locally, “contribute to legitimize echo media research group Project J, called a rare news conference to express his Mexicans praised Pena Nieto for canceling a Oliva, a Mexican political and security expert at increasingly adversarial discourse against which has called on the stations to take “great pleasure” at the burst of national pride meeting with Trump in Washington scheduled for the London School of Economics, said Mexico’s minorities in general and Muslims in par- a hard look at themselves and reflect on and support for the president, even though this week, after the US president ordered the con- nationalism is merely “reactive” and does not ticular,” he said. They tout “white how they cover communities-”Muslims Pena Nieto’s economic reforms have chipped struction of the wall and insisted that Mexico pay pose a threat. “One of the things that we have to supremacy, white victimology and in particular.” —AFP away at the billionaire’s telephone empire. “This for it. Opposition leaders rallied behind Pena thank Trump for is that the world now knows is the most surprising display of national unity Nieto and even his longtime rival, two-time leftist where Mexico is,” Oliva said. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Thousands protest as Romania relaxes corruption law

BUCHAREST: Thousands of Romanians gency decree reducing the penalties for tion. In Bucharest protestors gathered had even taken part in the first demon- government had earlier announced that took to the streets Tuesday night after the corruption in a move which will allow sev- spontaneously in front of the seat of gov- strations against the legal changes. “This this too would be the subject of an government issued a controversial emer- eral politicians to avoid criminal prosecu- ernment, chanting “thieves” and calling government has chosen to pass its ordi- emergency decree. Dragnea’s leftist PSD for the resignation of the social democrat nances secretly because it is afraid,” said party romped to victory in December government, which has been in power for Martina, an international relations stu- elections but President Iohannis refused less than a month, AFP reporters saw. dent at the demonstration in Bucharest, to appoint him prime minister because Protests also took place in several other fearing a “backtrack” in the fight against of his previous voter fraud conviction in cities, including Cluj, Sibiu, Timisoara and corruption. “Nothing gives them the 2012, for which he was handed a sus- Iasi, according to Romanian media legitimacy to do that ... It’s a return to the pended jail sentence. Tens of thousands reports. They erupted immediately after period of 15 years ago,” echoed Cristian of people had protested in Bucharest the announcement of the emergency Clot, an IT employee. The gatherings dis- and other Romanian towns on Sunday decree which could allow many politi- persed without incident. calling for both proposed changes to the cians to escape criminal prosecution. penal code to be scrapped. Justice Minister Florin Iordache justi- Changes benefit party leader Both texts have also been denounced fied the changes, which bypass parlia- The legal changes decriminalise sev- by several Romanian officials and institu- ment and will enter into force almost eral offences and makes abuse of power tions, including the attorney general automatically, as needed “to bring the punishable by incarceration only if it Augustin Lazar, anti-corruption chief legislation in line with the decisions of results in a monetary loss of more than prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, and the constitutional court”. Earlier this 44,000 euros ($47,500). The changes will High Court president Cristina Tarcea. On month the government of Prime notably allow social democrat leader Tuesday the government’s Department Minister Sorin Grindeanu published the Liviu Dragnea, who went on trial Tuesday for the Fight against Fraud (DLAF) joined emergency decrees, sparking angry for abuse of power, to avoid prosecution. the critics, arguing that the easing of the protests across the country and criticism Prosecutors have put the amount of rules limits its capacity “to efficiently from Romania’s centre-right President money involved in his case at 24,000 protect the interests of the EU in Klaus Iohannis, who was elected in 2014 euros, well below the new threshold. Romania”. In its annual report released on an anti-graft platform. The government did, however, send last week, the European Commission, BUCHAREST: People throw snow toward jandarmes protecting govern- “It is a day of mourning for the rule of for parliament’s approval another par- which is closely monitoring justice ment headquarters as they demonstrate in front of Romanian law, which has received a hard blow from don law which would free inmates serv- reforms in Romania, warned against any Government headquarters against controversial decrees to pardon cor- the opponents of justice and in the fight ing sentences of up to five years for non- proposals that seek to slacken the fight rupt politicians and decriminalize other offenses. —AFP against corruption,” the head of state violent crimes to help ease pressure on against corruption in one of Europe’s said in a statement Tuesday. Iohannis Romania’s overcrowded prisons. The poorest countries.—AFP Global alarm as fighting News in brief

Taleban kills woman escalates in East Ukraine accused of adultery KABUL: The Taleban has shot dead a woman accused of adultery in northeastern Afghanistan, officials said yesterday. Ahmad Naweed Frotan, a spokesman for the Badakhshan Death toll hits sixteen provincial governor, said Amir Begum was killed late Tuesday in the remote Yumgan district after being accused of having AVDIIVKA: The death toll from the latest ‘Kids awoken by shelling’ an affair. “We strongly condemned the brutal killing of Amir escalation in fighting in Ukraine rose to The industrial hub of Avdiivka came Begum in front of the eyes of her family members,” said 16 yesterday as international alarm rang under its first assault on Sunday by Frotan. He said if there was any truth to the allegations they out over the spike in bloodshed in the rebels seeking to recapture territory held should be taken up by a court, not armed men. Elsewhere in European Union’s back yard. Government by Kiev during the nearly three-year war. Afghanistan, an insurgent rocket attack killed a civilian in the forces and pro-Russian separatists Yesterday, residents such as 62-year-old southern Helmand province, which has seen heavy fighting exchanged mortar and grenade fire for a Larysa Mykhailivna were packing up to in recent months. Ghulam Nabi Charkhi, head of the provin- fourth day on Wednesday around the find shelter from the cold and violence. cial counterterrorism department in Helmand, said three flashpoint town of Avdiivka that sits just “We slept very badly last night, the kids others, including a small child, were wounded in the attack north of the rebels’ de facto capital were awoken by shelling,” she said as she in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital. The attack took place Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. The left town with her two granddaughters. as Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah was Ukrainian military said one of its soldiers “A shell landed under our window but about to leave Lashkar Gah with other officials after a visit to had died overnight while the rebels said thank God it did not explode.” The assess security in the province. two civilians had been killed. Ukrainian military yesterday accused the The clashes have left more than rebels of firing Grad multiple rocket sys- Islamic State suspect 20,000 people without heat or water in tems and artillery at its positions around freezing winter weather with no signs of the northern outskirts of Donetsk. The arrested in Germany relief in sight. The sudden surge comes fighting has severely damaged a coke BERLIN: A Tunisian man suspected of being a recruiter at a potential watershed moment for plant that provides heating for the blue- for the Islamic State group and building a network of Ukraine as fears mount in Kiev that collar town of 25,000 people. The supporters to carry out an attack in Germany was staunch US support could be set to wane Organization for Security and arrested yesterday as authorities raided dozens of loca- with President Donald Trump looking to Cooperation and Europe (OSCE) is tions. Frankfurt prosecutors said that their investigation mend ties with his Russian counterpart responsible for monitoring ceasefire vio- was directed against 16 people aged between 16 and Vladimir Putin. An emergency UN lations and organizing peace talks 46. The main suspect, a 36-year-old Tunisian whom Security Council meeting on Tuesday between envoys from Russia and authorities didn’t identify, was arrested in Frankfurt on called for an immediate end to fighting Ukraine. suspicion of supporting a foreign terrorist organization. in a near three-year conflict that has Its mission to Ukraine said that 22,000 Investigators believe that he had been a recruiter and plunged Moscow’s relations with the people had been left without heating or smuggler for the IS group since August 2015. They sus- West to a post-Cold War low. water and electricity as temperatures pect that he had built up a network of supporters with The council expressed “grave concern” dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. the aim, among other things, of carrying out an attack about the resumption of serious battles in Local official Pavlo Zhebrivskiy wrote on in Germany. However, they say that plans for an attack one of the bloodiest conflicts since the his Facebook page that the level of heat- were at an early stage and no specific target had been 1990s Balkans wars. “The intense fighting ing in the town remained low. He added chosen. Yesterday’s raids covered 54 apartments, busi- around Avdiivka in the last few days... is a that the town had access to water but ness premises and mosques, largely in Frankfurt and blatant violation of the ceasefire, as stipu- that pressure systems were too weak to the surrounding region. Officials said the raids followed lated by the Minsk agreements,” the EU make them it accessible in the higher a four-month investigation. said on Tuesday. The deal signed in the floors of tall buildings. Belarusian capital Minsk in February 2015 The conflict has killed nearly 10,000 has been repeatedly broken but still people-more than half of them civilians- remains the West’s best hope of bringing since it erupted in April 2014.The peace to a country that was once a bridge Kremlin has repeatedly denied support- between Russia and the West. The war KIEV: A woman kisses the body of one of the seven Ukrainian servicemen ing the insurgents and only admits that began shortly after Ukraine ousted its who died during fighting in the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka during Russian “volunteers” and off-duty sol- Russian-backed president in February a mourning ceremony on Independence Square yesterday. —AFP diers have entered the war zone of their 2014 and aligned itself with the West. own volition. —AFP Trump looms over

EU’s Malta summit ROTE: Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly known as ‘Captain Bram’, attends his trial on Rote island, eastern Indonesia yesterday. —AFP BRUSSELS: Fears that US President whose country is one of the EU’s founding Donald Trump’s policies pose an existen- members, also confirmed that “transat- Indonesian smuggling tial threat to Europe are set to overshad- lantic relations” including Trump’s migra- ‘kingpin’ goes on trial ow EU leaders’ talks on multiple crises at a tion ban would be on the agenda. “I have summit in Malta this week. Curbing spoken to several of my European part- ROTE: A suspected Indonesian people-smuggling kingpin migration from Libya and dealing with ners and we share the same position: we went on trial yesterday accused of organizing an illegal the aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the do not approve of any order that also migrant boat journey in a case that sparked a diplomatic European Union were meant to be the concerns Europeans with dual nationali- row with Australia. Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly dominant themes of tomorrow’s summit ty,” he said. Yet one question facing the EU known as “Captain Bram”, is allegedly a notorious figure in in Valletta. But at their first meeting since leaders will be how strongly they can con- the illicit trade that involves sending boatloads of migrants the new US president took office, the demn Trump’s migration policies, when from Indonesia, a staging post on long-established people- HARARE: Zimbabwean judges in long red robes and horsehair wigs - a national leaders will now also discuss the they are themselves discussing how to smuggling routes, typically to Australia. Australian officials throwback to an era of British Colonial rule, at the official beginning of their need for unity amid worries about put up their own barriers. say he has been involved in sending boatloads of migrants 2017 duties in Harare. President Robert Mugabe has sparred with Britain for Trump’s commitment to the decades-old The EU slashed migrant numbers com- from Indonesia to the country as far back as 1999. He has decades and denounces the West for what he calls a neo-colonial attitude, transatlantic alliance. ing through Greece through a controver- been arrested several times in Indonesia but has only ever but he has a soft spot for a traditional etiquette and a dress code in the In an extraordinary sign of concern, EU sial deal with Turkey, and the Malta sum- served one brief jail term. In the latest case, Louhenapessy courts that even Britain has partly dropped. —AP President Donald Tusk on Tuesday ranked mit will discuss how to stop those making appeared in court on the eastern island of Rote for alleged- Trump along with Russia, China, Islamic the dangerous crossing from north Africa, ly buying a boat and helping to find a crew for a voyage extremism and domestic populism as the especially from Libya. The EU leaders are intended to take 65 migrants to New Zealand in 2015. He In wigs and robes, Zimbabwean biggest “threats” to the bloc in its 60-year expected to issue a declaration with steps faces up to 10 years in jail if found guilty of breaking laws history. From his controversial ban on including increasing support for the designed to stop people-smuggling. judges evoke British colonialism migration from seven mainly Muslim Libyan coastguard and pushing on with countries, to backing a break-up of the EU migration deals with other African coun- Bangladesh arrests IT HARARE: Zimbabwean judges recently filed Zimbabwe, there have been no such curbs and dismissing NATO as obsolete, Trump tries. Summit host Malta’s calls for a into court for the official beginning of their on the old fashion. is barely able to open his mouth without Turkey-style deal with Libya are however expert linked to siege 2017 duties, wearing long red robes and “It’s an archaic and unnecessary practice ringing alarm bells in Europe. “Worrying unlikely to bear fruit, since the chaos fol- DHAKA: Bangladeshi security forces yesterday arrested horsehair wigs, a throwback to an era of that has even been abandoned by those who declarations by the new American admin- lowing the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi a computer engineer said to run the social media oper- British colonial rule. President Robert Mugabe exported it to us as a nation. It does not istration... make our future highly unpre- makes it hard for the EU to know who to ations for a group accused of mounting a deadly attack has sparred with Britain for decades and improve jurisprudence or enhance the think- dictable,” former Polish premier Tusk even deal with there. But pressure is grow- on a Dhaka cafe. Ashfak-e-Azam and three other sus- denounces the West for what he calls a neo- ing capacity of judges,” said Arnold Tsunga, a wrote in an almost apocalyptic letter to ing on the EU to act on what Germany pects were detained in a raid in the capital in which colonial attitude, but he has a soft spot for a Zimbabwean lawyer and International the EU leaders. One EU diplomat said: called the “catastrophic” human rights sys- guns, explosives and ammunition were also seized, offi- traditional etiquette and a dress code in the Commission of Jurists regional program “This is a new way of governing-is each tem for migrants in Libya, amid reports of cials said. “Azam is the information technology chief of courts that even Britain has partly dropped. director for Africa. Scrapping the traditional tweet a political act, or just the expression “concentration camp-like” conditions in the Sarwar-Tamim group,” said Mufti Mahmud Khan, a Judges in Britain now must wear wigs dress code could save money in financially of a particular mood?” smuggler-run camps. Tusk said in his invi- spokesman for the elite Rapid Action Battalion which only when hearing criminal matters as part troubled Zimbabwe, Tsunga said. In 2013, tation letter that EU leaders must “protect carried out the raid. Sarwar-Tamim is a new faction of of dress code reforms in 2008, ending a cen- Zimbabwean judges appealed for new ‘Future of the EU’ our external border while helping the Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), the Islamist turies-old tradition. Some Commonwealth regalia to replace worn-out, secondhand The letter sets out European Council Libyan authorities provide decent recep- outfit blamed for a string of deadly attacks including a countries such as Kenya and South Africa robes and wigs given to them by retired chief Tusk’s thoughts in relation to a tion facilities on their territory.” German siege at an upscale Dhaka cafe last July in which 22 have also moved away from wearing wigs in judges. “Mugabe gives an impression that he debate on the “future of the EU” that 27 of Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday people-mostly foreigners-were killed. Azam, 25, had the courts. In 2003, Zimbabwe pulled out of hates the British; he is really fond of their cul- the leaders-minus British Prime Minister for the EU to make more efforts to stabi- been involved with the group since 2011, running its the Commonwealth, a group made up ture and traditions,” said Alex Magaisa, a law Theresa May-will have in Malta. lize Libya. “We can’t just talk, we must also website and social media accounts, a senior official at mostly of former British colonies. In lecturer at Britain’s University of Kent. —AP Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, do something,” she said. —AFP the anti-terrorism battalion said. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Record year for Myanmar meth pill seizures

YANGON: Myanmar police made record hugely popular across Asia, from wealthy said, with smugglers targeting growing meth pill seizures last year, data obtained clubbers to exhausted blue-collar employ- domestic demand as well as looking for by AFP showed yesterday, underscoring the ees working long shifts. new markets to the west of Myanmar. country’s ongoing and pivotal role as a In addition to the tablets, documents Neighboring Thailand yesterday major global narcotics producer. Police con- show some 759 kilograms of heroin, 945 announced two major drug seizures made fiscated a record 98 million tablets, nearly kilograms of opium and 2,464 kilograms of during raids last week. In the southern double the 50 million seized in 2015, pure methamphetamine-the stronger vari- province of Hat Yai police found 87 kilo- according to police data. Myanmar is one of ant known as “ice”-were seized last year. grams of methamphetamine and 25 kilo- the world’s top drug-producing nations, Drug prosecutions jumped from some grams of cannabis. churning out huge quantities of metham- 8,800 in 2015 to 13,500. Narcotics officers They also confiscated 720,000 ampheta- phetamine as well as heroin, opium and say the latest figures show policing is mak- mine tablets and arrested three local sus- cannabis-much of it bound for consumers ing inroads into the problem. “But still traf- pects in a raid in the northeastern province in Asia and beyond. ficking is increasing,” one senior officer said, of Udon Thani. Officers said the three men Most production takes place in remote asking not to be named. The officer said were part of a network run by Xaysana border territories controlled by ethnic key hurdles include a lack of manpower Keopimpha, a Laos national detained at minority militias or rival armed groups and high-quality detection technology, Bangkok’s main airport last month and allied to the powerful military. While low- plus the difficulties of working in areas con- described by Thai police as a regional drug level smugglers are often arrested, few car- trolled by armed ethnic minority groups. kingpin. Thailand, Myanmar and Laos share tel leaders have ever been brought to jus- “It certainly tallies with our data,” a porous, remote and largely mountainous tice over the past three decades. Given the Jeremy Douglas, regional representative of zone dubbed “The Golden Triangle” which powerful vested interests involved, tackling the United Nations Office on Drugs and has long been a major drugs-producing the trade remains a major hurdle for the Crime, said adding Myanmar saw a notice- region. While seizures are fairly common, newly installed civilian administration of able increase in meth pill production over analysts say the overall battle is hampered Bags of ‘yaba’ tablets, or methamphetamine mixed with caffeine, are Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar’s cheap and the past year and a leap in the stronger by endemic official corruption and drug displayed for the media in front of the Narcotics Suppression Division in abundant meth pills-which contain crystalline variant. Trafficking routes syndicates’ ability to bounce back from methamphetamine in low dosages-are through the country were also shifting, he raids with ramped-up production. —AFP Bangkok yesterday. —AFP Bangladeshi police warns booksellers

‘Don’t offend Muslims’

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s largest book ment from the Bangla Academy, a in the world where “police are the geted for their blogs or books fair began in Dhaka yesterday, with state-run publisher and research- watchdog over books”, adding that which were critical of Islam or the police warning organizers against based organization which has been such action would encourage Prophet Muhammad. Many of selling books that hurt “religious sen- organizing the event for decades. But extremists to launch attacks on writ- these attacks have been claimed timent” in the Muslim-majority coun- one leading publisher reacted angrily ers and publishers. by the Islamic State group or a try. The month-long Ekushey Book to the police’s decision to scrutinize Bangladesh has been reeling local wing of Al-Qaeda. But Prime Fair draws hundreds of thousands of the content of books, saying such a from a wave of attacks by Islamist Minister Sheikh Hasina’s secular visitors to the crowded capital, mak- move was “brutal and uncivilized”. extremists who have killed some government has blamed local mili- ing it one of Bangladesh’s keynote Robin Ahsan, owner of the Shraban 80 people, including around a tants and denies that international cultural events and giving readers a Prakashani publisher, told the New dozen secular bloggers and writ- jihadists have gained any foothold PUNCAK: Iraqi asylum seeker Ayman (right) chats with his brother (left) and chance to interact with authors. Age daily there was no other country ers. Police say the writers were tar- in the country. —AFP friend during an interview with The Associated Press at a temporary home But the fair has incurred the in Puncak, West Java, Indonesia. —AP wrath of Islamist extremists, who hacked and critically injured a top secular writer in 2004 and killed a Trump policy dims hope for US-based atheist blogger moments after he signed books for readers in refugees in Indonesia limbo 2015. Last year a 73-year-old pub- lisher was arrested and his stall at PUNCAK: After getting death threats from Al- his 120-day suspension of the US refugee pro- the fair was shut down after a book Shabab militants, Mohamed Dahir Saeed and gram, and by his decision to cut the number of called “Islam Debate” triggered his wife fled their native Somalia with plans to refugees the US accepts this budget year by protests by Islamists who said the seek safety in Australia. They arrived in nearby more than half, to 50,000. Some 3 million work was offensive to Muslims. Indonesia, only to be told “the sea is closed” for refugees have been resettled in the US since Police said they have tightened anyone attempting to make the perilous boat Congress passed the Refugee Act of 1980, security for the annual fair in a park journey south. That was two years ago. Now according to the Pew Research Center. Saeed, on the campus of Dhaka University, another chance may be disappearing for Saeed 31, said that if he had the chance he’d tell the the country’s main secular bastion. and thousands of other asylum seekers who US president that as a Somalian he’s a “peace Dhaka Metropolitan Police have made it to this Southeast Asian country man.” He said he left Somalia after Al-Shabab Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia with dreams of finding better lives elsewhere. militants fighting the government pressured visited the fairground on Tuesday “The majority of people here, the US takes him to join their group, and that one of the mili- and asked the authorities to “scruti- them,” Saeed said. “Now in US they say no tants wanted Saeed’s wife for himself. nize” the books before they are Somalian, no Iraq, no Syrian, no Iran, no Sudan. cleared to be displayed at stalls. ... So maybe we will go to another place. I hope,” Possibility no longer exists “Therefore no book hurts civic, social he said, seated outside his tiny house perched “Now in Somalia there is a war from Al- and religious values,” Mia said, above the Ciliwung River. For thousands of asy- Shabab and government. So these Somalis according to a statement posted on lum seekers and refugees from Iraq, Somalia who run from Somalia, they need peace the Dhaka police website. “Hurting and other conflict-scarred countries, Indonesia because they need to work, they need to feed religious sentiment is a punishable is an often yearslong hiatus as they wait for the their family. They are looking for a better life.” offence.” The Dhaka police chief US or another country to accept them. Indonesia, a vast but poor archipelago country offered “special security” to writers President Donald Trump’s travel ban on citizens of more than 250 million people in Southeast and publishers and said that the DHAKA: Bangladeshi shoppers read books at a stall during the country’s largest bookfair in park, except for the fairground, of seven Muslim countries and suspension of Asia, might seem an unlikely refuge. Initially, Dhaka yesterday. Bangladesh’s largest book fair began in Dhaka yesterday, with police warn- the US refugee program has now made their many people fled there because they believed would be vacated by late afternoon as part of a series of safety measures. ing organizers against selling books that hurt ‘religious sentiment’ in the Muslim-majority tenuous situation even more uncertain. it would be a jumping-off point to reach country. —AFP Indonesia is home to nearly 14,000 men, Australia by boat. That possibility no longer There was no immediate com- women and children seeking resettlement exists: Since September 2013, the Australian in other countries, according to UNHCR, the government has turned back the often barely UN refugee agency. About 7,500 have been seaworthy vessels. recognized as refugees, giving them the Puncak, a small West Java city nestled prized UN card that inches them closer to beneath a mountain that tempers Indonesia’s Fatalities soar for realizing their dreams of a better life. But tropical heat, is a magnet for men from the last year just 610 were resettled in other Middle East seeking sex and a pleasant climate. countries such as the US, Canada, Germany Because of its proximity to Jakarta, where asy- and New Zealand. At least 2,700 of those in lum seekers can be summoned for a refugee limbo here are from countries listed in interview, and because of the low cost of living, Afghanistan forces Trump’s 90-day travel ban: Iran, Iraq, Sudan, many families from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya. Pakistan and other nations also scrape out an Asylum seekers in general are affected by existence there. —AP WASHINGTON: The death rate among Afghan security forces were killed. The Afghan forces have a nadir coming when the regional capital Kunduz in troops and police soared last year as the Kabul gov- total of nearly 316,000 men, according to SIGAR. “We northern Afghanistan was briefly captured by the ernment’s overall control of the country declined sig- are very concerned,” said General Charles Cleveland, Taleban. US and NATO officials had been hoping the Indonesian women seeking nificantly, an official US watchdog said in a report spokesman for NATO forces in Afghanistan. Afghans would fare better in 2016, but clearly the secu- yesterday. The grim new statistics paint a picture of a He blamed “poor leadership” for the casualties as rity situation remains perilous. The Pentagon, however, to become suicide bombers beleaguered nation still in the grip of a security crisis, well as corruption, though he noted many officials insists the Afghan National Defense and Security despite many years and billions of dollars spent have been removed at all levels. “Afghan forces con- Forces (ANDSF) are improving and points to successful JAKARTA: Indonesian women are taking radical chat forums, said the report, which building up Afghanistan’s army and police. tinue to be incredibly resilient and they made suc- efforts to repel Taleban attacks on regional capitals. on a more active role in violent extremism, was released late Tuesday. According to the US government’s Special cess in achieving their main goals, such as securing with some seeking to become Islamic The most high-profile cases were the Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction the populated areas,” he added, saying there had Losing their grip State (IS) group suicide bombers, a leading arrest of two former domestic workers, (SIGAR), 6,785 Afghan soldiers and police officers been progress but it would take years. Most of the fatalities among the ANDSF came security think tank has warned. The grow- Dian Yulia Novi and Ika Puspitasari, who were killed between January 1 and November 12, Afghan police and army units in 2015 took over from “direct-fire” assaults, meaning local troops were ing problem was highlighted after the had allegedly volunteered to become sui- with another 11,777 wounded. That is an increase of from NATO the task of providing security for the coun- directly attacked by the Taleban and other insurgent arrest in December of two women with cide bombers in Jakarta and Bali. Leading about 35 percent from all of 2015, when some 5,000 try. Their first year was something of a disaster, the groups, instead of dying in roadside bomb and mine links to IS allegedly planning suicide Indonesian IS radical Bahrun Naim, who blasts. In addition to the high death rate in the attacks in the world’s most populous has been accused of directing a series of ANDSF, the report found that the number of Afghan Muslim-majority country, according to a mostly botched terror plots in his home- districts under insurgent control or influence is report from the Jakarta-based Institute for land from Syria, had given them instruc- increasing. US Forces Afghanistan reported that 57.2 Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC). Many tions and financial support, the report said. percent of the country’s 407 districts were under from Indonesia-which has long struggled Authorities detained Novi and her hus- Afghan government control or influence as of with Islamic militancy-have flocked to join band the night before a planned attack on November 15, the report states. That marks a drop IS in the Middle East, while radicals in the the presidential palace in Jakarta and later from the 63.4 percent reported in late August, and a country have pledged allegiance to the picked up Puspitasari, who was part of the nearly 15-point decline since November 2015.A group and attacks and plots have been same network and had been planning to Western observer who has lived in Afghanistan for linked to the jihadists. carry out a bombing on the holiday island years said that the provinces under Taleban control But the increasing eagerness of of Bali, the report said. could ultimately split from those held by the Kabul Indonesian women to get involved in radi- Other women have been arrested for government. “Everybody here thinks this country will calism themselves, rather than merely sup- offences including setting up a pro-IS char- collapse in a matter of two or three years,” he said. port their extremist husbands, poses new ity, helping to make a bomb, and being The report also found civilian casualties remain high. risks, said the report from IPAC, which is fighters with a militant group on Sulawesi According to a UN body, there were 8,397 con- headed by veteran Indonesian security island. IPAC called for the Indonesian gov- flict-related civilian casualties between January 1 and analyst Sidney Jones. ”Indonesian women ernment to try to find out more about September 30, a slight drop compared to the same in extremist organizations are now catch- female radical networks, including inter- period in 2015. The report also cites an Asia ing up with the lethal practices of their sis- viewing the many women who have been Foundation survey last year that found only 29.3 per- ters in other parts of the world,” according deported from Turkey after allegedly try- cent of respondents nationwide felt their country to the study. Increasing female involve- ing to cross into Syria to join IS. “The need was moving in the right direction, down from 36.7 ment is linked to the appeal of IS but also to know more about Indonesian extremist percent in 2015. “This represents the lowest level of to the growing sophistication of social women suddenly has become urgent,” it optimism recorded since the survey began in 2004,” the SIGAR report notes. The Taleban have been espe- media, which allows more women to read said. Indonesia’s national counter-terror KANDAHAR: An Afghan shepherd herds his sheep along a dirt road in the Kandahar the jihadists’ propaganda and take part in agency declined to comment. —AFP cially active in Helmand province-a global center for province. —AFP opium production, which is on the rise. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 INTERNATIONAL ‘Criminals not human,’ says Philippine Justice Secretary

MANILA: The Philippine justice secretary “The criminals, the drug lords, drug push- defenseless people, fabricating evidence, accusations that the police officers were get- killings of drug dealers and users. De yesterday brushed aside accusations that ers, they are not humanity. They are not paying assassins to murder drug addicts and ting secret bonuses for killing alleged drug Guzman’s mother, Elisa, said her son had no police killings of thousands of drug suspects humanity,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre stealing from those they killed or the victims’ offenders. He insisted only two percent of enemies, but had used drugs in the past. may be crimes against humanity, stating told reporters when asked to comment on relatives. It also said police were being paid the police force was corrupt. “That’s a long time ago. If the person is criminals were not human. Amnesty the Amnesty report. “In other words, how can by their superiors to kill, and documented already reforming, they still do this?” she said, International earlier in the day accused police that be when your war is only against those victims as young as eight years old. “The Killings persist in Manila tears building in her eyes. of murdering defenseless people or paying drug lords, drug addicts, drug pushers. You police are behaving like the criminal under- A young man’s body lay in a pool of “They should stop all these shootings... others to kill as part of President Rodrigo consider them humanity? I do not.” world that they are supposed to be enforcing blood, surrounded by bullet casings. A loved many are caught in between, just like my Duterte’s drug war, and said the deaths may Among a litany of alleged crimes, the law against,” the report said. Police have one rushed to the scene in the dark, run- son. They should stop claiming lives.” No wit- amount to crimes against humanity. Amnesty accused police of shooting dead reported killing 2,555 people since Duterte down Manila neighborhood and howled in nesses saw the killers. The attack bore the took office seven months ago and immedi- anguish as onlookers huddled behind a same hallmarks as many of the other killings ately launched his war on crime, while nearly police cordon. It’s a scene that has been over the past seven months activists believe 4,000 others have died in unexplained cir- replayed thousands of times in Philippine are carried out by hit men working in cumstances, according to official figures. President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on cahoots with police, or by officers in plain Duterte has repeatedly made comments drugs over the past seven months. clothes. The Philippine National Police (PNP) echoing similar sentiments to Aquirre’s, urg- But this was on Tuesday night, a day after has said allegations that hit men were on the ing police to kill drug users as well as traffick- Philippine police were ordered to halt anti- police payroll “are obviously not the norm” ers. “Crime against humanity? In the first drugs operations that have left more than and the PNP was making “significant break- place, I’d like to be frank with you: are they 2,500 people dead in what police say are throughs” in investigations into killings. humans? What is your definition of a human shootouts. Thousands of users and small- being” Duterte said in August last year refer- time dealers have also been killed outside of Killing in a shophouse ring to drug offenders. “Human rights? Use it the police anti-drugs missions. Human rights Duterte has suspended drugs operations properly in the right context if you have the groups say many are by assassins paid by to allow a purge of corrupt police following brains.” The next month Duterte said he police, or are police themselves. Police deny the kidnapping and killing of a South would be “happy to slaughter” three million involvement in extra-judicial killings. Korean businessmen by counter-narcotics drug addicts, and likened his campaign to Aldrin de Guzman, 24, was gunned down officers. He has handed over charge of the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler’s efforts to extermi- outside his home before midnight on anti-drugs campaign to the Philippine nate Jews in Europe. Tuesday in circumstances all-too-familiar for Drugs Enforcement Agency, a body a frac- However the Philippine National Police the dwellers of Manila’s poorest neighbor- tion of the size of the national police. A and the presidential office issued statements hoods. Another man was shot and killed in a report by Amnesty International yesterday yesterday rejecting many of the assertions in crumbling shophouse not too far away, at said its investigation showed drugs killings the Amnesty report. “The PNP has always around the same time. Mystery gunmen on a were “systematic, planned and organized”, observed and upheld respect for human motorcycle shot de Guzman repeatedly, and police had even received money for MANILA: Photo shows a body of an alleged drug user on the ground rights,” a police statement said. National according to police, following the same pat- murders and for delivering bodies to funeral after unidentified gunmen shot him dead in Manila. —AFP police chief Ronald Dela Rosa also rejected tern as thousands of other vigilante-style homes. —Agencies ‘Abduction’ of Chinese billionaire sparks fear Newspaper advert pledges loyalty to China

HONG KONG: The mystery over the Ming Pao, attributed to Xiao, said he disappearance of five booksellers The South China Morning Post reported abduction from Hong had “always loved the (ruling known for publishing salacious titles reported Xiao was currently in main- Kong of a Chinese billionaire deep- Communist) party and the country” about Beijing’s leadership in 2015 land China, not receiving medical ened yesterday after a newspaper and would soon meet with media. “I prompted widespread criticism treatment, and was only in contact advert appeared in his name pledg- personally believe the Chinese gov- China had overstepped that line. with his family. Xiao had wanted to ing loyalty to China, in a case that ernment is civilized and has rule of move some of his businesses to has heightened fears over Beijing’s law,” the advert read. “I have not ‘Credible suspicion’ Japan after feeling unsafe in Hong meddling. The whereabouts of fin- been kidnapped.” Xiao, who said in One of the men, Lee Bo, vanished Kong, Initium news site said. His wife ancier Xiao Jianhua-one of China’s the statement he was a Canadian from Hong Kong, triggering interna- was now in Japan after reporting his richest men-are unclear after citizen, insisted he was being treat- tional condemnation and local case to Hong Kong police then with- reports in overseas Chinese-lan- ed for an illness overseas. protests. Lee always insisted he had drawing it, the report said. According to the Financial Times Xiao was led away by Chinese public MANILA: Boys hitch a ride on a pedicad at the Divisoria market in security agents from an apartment Manila. — AFP at the Four Seasons. The hotel said there was an “active police investiga- tion” when asked about the case. Philippines communist rebels end Hong Kong police said they had ceasefire but support peace talks received a request for assistance over a “mainland citizen” Saturday, but a family member had later MANILA: The Maoist-led rebel group in ment” to peace talks. “The road to peace is retracted it. They said the person it the Philippines said yesterday it was ter- not easy to traverse. What is important is referred to had crossed a border minating a unilateral ceasefire it declared that we all stay the course,” Dureza said. control point between Hong Kong five months ago and resuming a protract- Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said and China on Friday. ed guerrilla warfare that has killed tens of in a statement that the army will continue The Canadian consulate said it thousands of people. The New People’s to enforce the government’s unilateral was aware of the reports and its offi- Army said in a statement that the cease- truce and “will not actively operate cials were “in contact” with authori- fire agreed to last August would expire on against the New People’s Army while our ties. Xiao said in the Ming Pao state- Feb 10, but added the rebels would still ceasefire is in effect”. He said soldiers will ment he was a permanent resident support peace talks with the government defend themselves if attacked and will of Hong Kong, and held a diplomat- of President Rodrigo Duterte. “In our pursue all lawless groups to maintain ic passport. In 2015, he was made experience and in the experience of other peace and order. The communists “ambassador-at-large” for Antigua peoples, it is possible to negotiate while accused the military of occupying 500 and Barbuda, according to news site fighting until the substantive agreements barrios, or town districts, that are suppos- Caribbean360, which pictured Xiao are forged to address the roots of the edly within their control and that govern- at the time with the country’s prime armed conflict and lay the basis for a just ment forces were allegedly engaged in minister Gaston Browne. Hong and lasting peace,” the group said. “hostile actions” and other “offensive Kong-based analyst Willy Lam said It said the decision was made because operations”. Xiao may have been targeted the government failed to comply with its Military spokesman Brigadier General because he knew “potentially “obligation” to pardon and release all Restituto Padilla said the NPA was still political prisoners and “has treacherously involved in extortion, recruitment and HONG KONG: Xiao Jianhua, a Chinese-born Canadian billionaire reads a book outside the embarrassing details” about finan- cial actions involving major Chinese taken advantage” of the ceasefire to attacks on plantations, mines and other International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. Mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Xiao report- encroach on its territory. Jesus Dureza, businesses. He cited nine incidents show- edly taken away from his Hong Kong hotel by mainland police, in a case that could rekindle con- political clans. China’s anti-corruption drive was presidential adviser on the peace process, ing rebel violations of their own truce, cerns about overreach by Chinese law enforcement in the semiautonomous city. —AP launched after Xi took power in said he was “dismayed” with the move, including abducting a soldier in the south 2012 and has brought down gov- which came after peace negotiators and killing two others in a northern guage media that he was taken The founder of Beijing-based gone over the border voluntarily. ernment officials and corporate agreed to further discuss a bilateral province. From September to November from Hong Kong by mainland secu- Tomorrow Group, Xiao was previ- Hong Kong’s security bureau said executives. Billionaire Guo ceasefire. But he said he would recom- last year, the military reported zero armed rity agents last week. The reports ously reported to have denied alle- the government “will not allow non- Guangchang, chairman of one of mend to Duterte that the government’s encounters with communist guerrillas but suggested Xiao’s disappearance gations he fled to Hong Kong in Hong Kong law enforcement offi- the country’s biggest private-sector unilateral ceasefire be maintained to pro- it has observed an increase in rebel was part of China’s ongoing anti- 2014 to escape the corruption crack- cers to take law enforcement actions conglomerates Fosun, vanished vide an “enabling and conducive environ- attacks in the last two months. —Reuters corruption campaign, which some down. He is said to have acted as a in Hong Kong”. But James To of the from public view in 2015 in connec- critics believe has been used to tar- broker for the Chinese leadership, Democratic Party said there was a tion with an investigation by get President Xi Jinping’s political including for Xi’s family. But over- “credible suspicion” Hong Kong’s authorities, and then re-emerged. In Japan secures extra cost cuts opponents. seas Chinese-language news site “one country, two systems” deal had 2016 the chairman of one of China’s Xiao had been staying at Hong Bowen Press said Xiao could also been breached. ”After the Lee Bo most prominent fashion firms also on US F-35 fighter jet package Kong’s Four Seasons hotel and was have been connected to an “anti-Xi fiasco people are very concerned disappeared, returning to work a looked after by female bodyguards, coalition”. It is illegal for mainland about whether Hong Kong residents week later amid speculation he had TOKYO: Tokyo has secured cost cuts on support ground support costs such as parts, logistics and local media reported. A front-page agents to operate in semi- or people lawfully staying in Hong been caught up in the anti-corrup- equipment for its next batch of six US F-35 technical assistance. “We went through each item advert in Hong Kong newspaper autonomous Hong Kong, but the Kong will be protected,” To said. tion campaign. —AFP stealth fighter aircraft of around $100 million, in detail and negotiated with the US,” said one of according to sources and Japanese budget the sources in Japan with knowledge of talks. papers, on top of savings being finalized for all buyers of the high-tech jets. The deal represents Costs down New Pentagon chief seeks to a rare case of Tokyo negotiating down the price In a budget request last year, Japan’s Ministry of of military hardware from its US ally and under- Defense pegged the price of the six F-35s at 15.7 scores progress for the Lockheed Martin Corp - billion yen ($136.81 million) each. That had been reassure nervous Asian allies run F-35 program, which has faced criticisms cut to 14.6 billion yen when the budget was over cost overruns and other problems. approved in December, in line with the 6-7 percent US President Donald Trump, who lashed the per plane reduction flagged by the Pentagon late WASHINGTON: By visiting Japan and South terpart, Defense Minister Han Min Koo, amid a security alliances, including those in Asia, are a program as “out of control” in December, said on last year. The cost of support equipment dropped Korea on his first official overseas trip, Defense swirl of political turmoil. President Park Geun-hye top priority. He is the first recently retired military Monday he had been able to shave some $600 mil- significantly, to 30.9 billion yen from 42.3 billion Secretary Jim Mattis is seeking to reinforce key was impeached in December and the constitu- officer to serve as defense secretary since George lion from the latest US deal to buy about 90 F-35s yen, according to the publicly available documents. alliances after US President Donald Trump’s cam- tional court is reviewing whether to formally end C Marshall in 1950-51 during the Korean War. from Lockheed. But defense analysts and sources Cost cuts on such deals are typically done by paign-trail complaints that defense treaties disad- her rule. Later in the week, Mattis is to hold talks Pentagon chiefs regularly visit South Korea and downplayed news of those cuts, saying the dis- removing some equipment or swapping out vantaged the United States. The visits also reflect in Tokyo with Defense Minister Tomomi Inada and Japan, reflecting their status as US treaty allies. count hailed by Trump was in line with what had expensive components for cheaper ones. Officials the urgency of concerns on both sides of the other senior Japanese government officials. Chuck Hagel, who visited the heavily guarded been flagged by Lockheed for months and would from a new Japanese defense procurement Pacific about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic North Korea is expected to be at or near the Demilitarized Zone between North and South apply to other countries committed to the pro- agency and Pentagon personnel met several times missile programs. top of Mattis’ agenda. Beyond its long-range mis- Korea as defense secretary in September 2013, gram. Lockheed and the Pentagon did not directly in Tokyo between August and December before Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general, sile aspirations, the North already has missiles said in an interview that Mattis is making the respond to questions regarding the Japanese deal. agreeing on the lower price, said one of the inherited a North Korea problem that has grown capable of hitting South Korea as well as US bases right move. A spokesperson for the US Defense Department sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly more worrisome as the communist nation’s in Japan. Trump said during the campaign that “It was a smart decision” to visit these allies office which runs the F-35 program said negotia- about the deal. leader, Kim Jong Un, claims progress toward field- while he supports the alliances with Japan and early, Hagel said. He believes officials in Tokyo tions over the current batch of fighters, known in The total cost for the Japanese deal was just ing a ballistic missile capable of delivering a South Korea, he would not rule out abandoning and Seoul are wondering: “Can we rely on the the industry as LRIP 10, was continuing. over $1 billion, around 12 percent lower than bud- nuclear warhead to the United States. Former them if they refuse to pay more for their own US? What is the future here?” The US has about “For every nation that buys an F-35 in LRIP 10, geted in August. The cost to the United States for its Secretary of State John Kerry said in early January defense. “It could be that Japan will have to 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and the base price of the F-35 will be the lowest in F-35 latest F-35 contract is expected to be around $9 bil- the US may need “more forceful ways” of dealing defend itself against North Korea,” he told a cam- about 50,000 in Japan. Hagel said Tokyo and oth- history,” Lockheed spokesman Michael Rein said. lion, with the price per plane falling below $100 with North Korea if it develops a ballistic missile paign rally in August. The first foreign leader he er US allies in Asia have been particularly upset The price of the F-35 has been dropping with each million. Japan’s higher budgeted per aircraft costs of intercontinental range. met as president-elect was Japanese Prime by Trump’s decision to pull the US out of a Pacific new batch as Lockheed and the US government of around $128 million include the aircrafts’ engines Mattis, who entered office hours after Trump Minister Shinzo Abe; they’ll meet again in Rim trade initiative, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, ramp up production, helping to lower overall costs. and additional funds to have 38 of the 42 F-35s it on Jan 20, took off from Joint Base Andrews, Washington on Feb 10. the centerpiece of former President Barack Four sources told Reuters Japan had further plans to buy assembled in Japan by Mitsubishi Maryland before daybreak and is due to arrive Mattis has said little in public since taking Obama’s effort to strengthen US economic ties in trimmed the price for its latest order, largely on Heavy Industries. —Reuters today in Seoul, where he will meet with his coun- office. But he has left no doubt that America’s the region. —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

For Israeli settlers, Kushner’s their man Continued from Page 1 looks the Palestinian city Ramallah. Kushner has left it up to his father-in-law to comment on what role he might play. “Jared is It will be more biased to the Israeli position in an era where such a good kid and he’ll make a deal with Israel that no one Israel is more extreme.” else can,” Trump told The Times of London newspaper last Palestinians want the West Bank and Gaza Strip for an inde- month. “He’s a natural dealmaker - everyone likes him.” pendent state, with its capital in East Jerusalem. Israel has built Middle East analysts say the settlement donations by about 120 settlements in the West Bank. About 350,000 set- Kushner’s family foundation are not necessarily deal-breakers. tlers live there and a further 200,000 in East Jerusalem, among After decades of failed negotiations, the real test is whether about 2.6 million Palestinians. Most countries consider the set- he is prepared to rethink the way the Middle East peace tlements illegal and an obstacle to peace as they reduce and process is conducted, said Hugh Lovatt, a fellow of the fragment the territory Palestinians need for a viable state. European Council on Foreign Relations. “If he reverts to push- Israel disagrees, citing biblical, historical and political con- ing for a process for the sake of process and diplomatic pres- nections to the land and security interests. Bet El, a commu- tige, then he will prove no more successful than his predeces- nity of 1,300 families perched on a hillside where many sors,” Lovatt told Reuters. “If he acquiesces to Israeli territorial believe God promised Jacob the land, has been financed in demands and gives a green light to more settlement activity, part by donations from American backers. Among its donors he could even do irreparable damage to the prospects of have been the Donald J Trump Foundation, which gave long-term peace.” $10,000 in 2003, and the foundation of Charles and Seryl A key diplomatic factor will be whether the Trump adminis- Kushner, the parents of Jared, which gave $38,000 in 2013, tration commits itself to a two-state solution - Israel and an US tax records show. independent Palestinian state living side-by-side. This remains The New York-based American Friends of Bet El Institutions firmly the goal for the Palestinians and, according to Prime hosts dinners to raise funds for the settlement, which over- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israelis. — Reuters

Trump names pick for top court GAZA: Ramadan Edwan, a Palestinian barber, uses fire in a hair-straightening technique with a client at his Continued from Page 1 District of Columbia Circuit in Washington, but salon in the Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. —AFP Democrats could yet pick a fight. Gorsuch says he was on the ski slopes when he Although Republicans hold 52 seats in the Senate, learned of his mentor’s death last February: “I couldn’t they need 60 to confirm a nominee. That means Delays in health insurance to end after... see the rest of the way down the mountain for the Gorsuch must be able to win some Democratic votes - a tears,” he remarked in a speech soon after. For Trump, task made tougher by the row over Trump’s ban on trav- Continued from Page 1 and depositing them in the health ministry’s account at the the selection is payback to evangelical Christian and elers from several Muslim countries. “A little more than a Central Bank daily in return for nominal fees collected from conservative Republicans who backed his bid for the week into the Trump presidency, the new administra- Saeedi stressed that out of its strategic partnership with expats per transaction. Saeedi added that he will meet presidency - at times reluctantly. “Millions of voters said tion has violated our core values, challenged the sepa- the health ministry, PSC had not cost public funds a single Harbi on Sunday to review the documents PSC had previ- this was the single most important issue to them when ration of powers, and tested the very fabric of our dinar and that it had been collecting health insurance fees ously sent to the health ministry to resume the service. they voted for me for president,” Trump said. “I am a Constitution in unprecedented fashion,” said Senate man of my word. I will do as I say - something that the minority leader Chuck Schumer. American people have been asking for from Schumer said it was up to Gorsuch to “prove himself Emirati foreign minister defends Trump... Washington for a very, very long time.” to be within the legal mainstream” and “vigorously The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of many of the defend the Constitution” from presidential abuses. He Continued from Page 1 bers, he said, adding that the issue was not on the current most sensitive issues of US life and law. Its members are added: “Given his record, I have very serious doubts agenda and would only be raised when “a political settle- named to life terms so their influence is long-lasting. about Judge Gorsuch’s ability to meet this standard.” Sheikh Abdullah and Lavrov discussed a range of ment” was in sight for Syria’s almost six-year-old civil war. Given the advanced age of several sitting justices, Trump House Democratic minority leader Nancy Pelosi regional issues including the war in Syria during their The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership at the could potentially make several appointments during his called Gorsuch “hostile to women’s rights” and said the meeting, which included Arab League Secretary-General end of 2011 following months of brutal repression of anti- term, shaping the court’s direction for a generation. consequences of confirming him “could not be more Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Trump’s order also includes a sus- regime demonstrations and an opposition movement sup- Once confirmed, however, justices enjoy independence serious or far-reaching”. Democrat Elizabeth Warren said pension of refugee admissions for 120 days, and bans ported by Gulf monarchies. Turning to Trump’s proposal of Syrian refugees from entering indefinitely. establishing safe zones for refugees in Syria and Yemen, and some have proved politically unpredictable. that Trump “had the chance to select a consensus nomi- Lavrov called for Syria’s return to the Arab League, saying another war-torn Arab nation, Lavrov expressed skepticism. With an eye to a bitter Congressional fight, Gorsuch nee,” but instead chose someone who “has sided with its membership would allow the organization to help find a “The Trump administration still has to work out a concrete presented himself as someone who is fair-minded and employers who deny wages, improperly fire workers, or political solution to the country’s conflict. “The League could approach. The idea of safe zones was studied at the onset of self-deprecating. “A judge who likes every outcome he retaliate against whistleblowers for misconduct.” play a more important, more effective role if the Syrian gov- the Syrian crisis, something that would reproduce the sad reaches is very likely a bad judge, stretching for results Republicans welcomed the decision. “He has an ernment was part of the organization,” Lavrov, whose country experience of Libya,” he said. “Everyone understood this he prefers rather than those the law demands,” he joked. impressive background and a long record of faithfully is a key ally of the Damascus regime and also a broker in when Libya was destroyed,” the Russian foreign minister said. Much Democratic opposition to Gorsuch is likely due applying the law and the Constitution,” said Senate peace efforts, told the press conference in the Emirati capital. But Lavrov said he remained convinced that Russia could to the refusal by Congressional Republicans, following majority leader Mitch McConnell. “When the Senate He said Syria was a “legitimate” member of the United “re-establish a complete and regular dialogue with the Scalia’s death, to give then president Barack Obama’s previously confirmed him to the appellate court, the Nations and yet “cannot take part in discussions inside the United States to lead to pragmatic results towards settling court pick a confirmation hearing. Democrats, who are bipartisan support in the Senate was so overwhelming, Arab League”. “This does not help our joint (peace) efforts,” the situation in Syria, Libya and Yemen”. He said such cooper- in a minority in both chambers of Congress, are still a roll call vote was not even required,” McConnell added. said Lavrov. ation would “not be dictated by the ideology of democrati- smarting from Republican treatment of Obama’s pick, Senator Ted Cruz described Gorsuch as “a home run”, But Aboul Gheit, speaking at the same press conference, zation for example”, referring to the role of past US adminis- Merrick Garland. Garland has since returned to his old and promised to thwart any move by Democrats to pre- ruled out an early return of Syria to the Cairo-based organi- trations in the overthrow of dictators such as Iraq’s Saddam job as chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the vent his appointment. — AFP zation. Any decision was up to the League’s 21 other mem- Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. — Agencies THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus One income for all: Far-fetched, or future fact?

t is a utopian idea, literally, but is enjoying a renais- sance as politicians and policy wonks grapple with Itechnology-driven changes that could redefine our very understanding of work. If robots and machine intelligence threaten to render many white- collar jobs obsolete, then what will people do for money? Enter the concept of a “universal basic income”, a flat sum paid to all regardless of your exist- ing wealth or ability to work. It is one of the rare ideas that has support from both the libertarian right - which favors tearing up the welfare state - and the left wing. In France, Benoit Hamon has emerged as the sur- Trump admin on EU collision course prise Socialist candidate for April’s presidential elec- tion first round, on a radical program that includes or seven years, the United States has “The question is how far will the new such an income - to be funded in part by a new tax fought to keep the euro zone intact, urg- administration go with this?” said Jeromin ‘Tooth fairy’ or ‘disaster’? on industrial robots. National or local governments in Fing European officials toward action and Zettelmeyer, a senior fellow at the Peterson other countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, supporting international bailout programs to Institute for International Economics and a for- Britain’s Trump gamble Canada, Scotland and Brazil are already evaluating keep the 17-nation currency union from crack- mer German economic official. Trump could, ing apart. That appears to have changed less for example, try to tax German goods to offset how such a revenue might work in practice. ailed last week as an ace up the likely go down badly with the US leader, than two weeks into Donald Trump’s new any perceived advantage gained from a cheap Finland is furthest down the road. On Jan 1 it start- sleeve for Britain in the upcoming who has spoken of his admiration for the administration. A sharp shift in tone toward euro, Zettelmeyer said. An import duty has ed a two-year trial to give 2,000 unemployed Finns a Brexit negotiations, relations with US British monarch. May “doesn’t want to Germany, casting the euro as fuel for that already been suggested as a way to redress H monthly unconditional payment of €560 ($590). At President Donald Trump are turning into a upset Trump... and he will be watching country’s massive trade surplus, has raised alleged currency manipulation by China. the least, advocates argue, a basic income could diplomatic headache for Prime Minister how she behaves very carefully,” LSE fellow concerns that the US president’s trade-centric “Trump seems to think that having a trade replace the thicket of unemployment benefits cur- Theresa May. Trump’s rejection of the Brian Klaas told AFP. “She will have to be world view may see the euro not as a geopo- deficit with another country means that the European Union and his enthusiasm for a very careful.” rently on offer in many advanced economies. Those litical plus, but as another needless bit of mul- other country is somehow stealing or at least swift post-Brexit trade deal with Britain Teaming up with Trump was therefore a can, perversely, discourage people from retraining in tilateralism. getting the better deal,” said Zettelmeyer. appeared to boost May, demonstrating that “political risk”, said Begg, drawing a com- new fields or taking on lower paid work that society While Trump has refrained from com- she had other options if EU leaders offered parison with former prime minister Tony needs, such as care for the elderly. menting directly on the euro, he praised Trump concerns on the rise in Europe an unattractive deal. “Trump has come along Blair, who was branded George W Bush’s Britain’s decision to exit the European Union The first days of Trump’s administration like the tooth fairy, this is one massive, mag- “poodle” during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Less is more as a “great thing” and predicted that others have touched off a wave of anxiety in Europe. nificent gift,” one Brexit-supporting MP told “She’s not tied to him yet but she has start- At its most ambitious, the proponents say, it would leave the bloc as the result of an influx European Council President Donald Tusk went the Spectator magazine last week. ed tying the knot,” Klaas said. “She can untie would give everyone a safety net and encourage of refugees. In comments published in the so far as to list the new government in The bond between the two leaders was it, but right now, the picture of them hold- new modes of thinking: work might no longer define European press on Tuesday, Trump trade Washington among the chief “external” threats reinforced on Friday when Trump hosted ing hands is one that’s not easy to distance adviser Peter Navarro said the “grossly under- faced by Europe. Criticism of Germany’s trade our lives and instead we might find productive exis- May in the White House, and pictures of yourself from.” valued” euro served as a currency for surplus, however, is not unique to Trump. The tences in volunteering for the greater good, or in the them holding hands were splashed over the Germany alone, allowing the country to Treasury Department under President Obama creative arts. “There’s a whole new suite of technolo- front pages of Britain’s newspapers. But Anti-establishment rage “exploit” the United States and others. added Germany to a “watch list” because of its gies coming on stream and people will need to adapt instead of arriving home to plaudits, she There is also no guarantee that any On Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary-desig- large trade imbalances. The US trade deficit somehow,” said Anthony Painter, director of the flew into a firestorm as Trump announced a eventual trade deal with the United States nate Steven Mnuchin softened the traditional with Germany stood at $77 billion as of 2015, Action and Research Centre at the Royal Society of temporary measure preventing refugees will boost Britain’s economy, particularly US “strong dollar” mantra, suggesting that the three times that of other European Union Arts in London, which in December released a and travellers from seven predominantly given Trump’s “America First” policy dollar’s current strength may be working countries combined, and $20 billion more research paper after a year-long study into the idea. Muslim countries from entering the country, against free trade agreements. “May is against what has become perhaps the admin- than the deficit with Mexico, one of Trump’s “The basic income just gives them a fighting sparking global protests. caught in a dilemma: she wants some- istration’s central economic priority: reviving other economic nemeses. chance,” he told AFP, stressing the more immediate May initially refused to condemn the thing quickly because it will look impres- US manufacturing and exports. But for Obama officials, the aim was to get benefits that would come from redrawing the exist- move, but then issued a statement saying sive to those worried about her negotia- Framed narrowly, that could put the Germany to spend more and boost its imports she did “not agree”, highlighting the peril of tion strategy but she needs to get some- ing tangle of support for the jobless. If mass unem- United States on a clear a collision course with of goods from the rest of Europe and the rest pinning her fortunes on the US president in thing good so she doesn’t get criticized for ployment and fears of technology are modern Germany, the world’s fourth-largest economy of the world. It was not to target the euro’s val- the eyes of some commentators. “The elec- being soft,” said Begg. trends, the concept of a universal income goes back and home to companies that rival top US ue and, by extension, the steps taken by the tion of Mr Trump has transformed Brexit May will ultimately be judged by the centuries. In his 1516 book “Utopia”, English philoso- industrial giants, as it is with Mexico or China. ECB to revive European growth more broadly. from a risky decision into a straightforward British people, and has plenty of breathing pher and statesman Thomas More imagined an ideal “There seems to be this desire to go back to a Partly under American influence, the Group of disaster,” wrote Financial Times columnist space with the next general election not republic where private property is abolished and all divide and conquer style strategy where the 20 nations, including China, has in recent Gideon Rachman. “The emperor Nero has due until 2020. Ties with Trump may also receive a basic stipend. It is a pre-industrial society, US negotiates against individual countries,” years agreed to consensus language that now taken power in Washington - and the play well with many voters in a country of course, where agriculture is the foundation of the said Douglas Rediker, executive chair of countries would “refrain from competitive British are having to smile and clap as he sets where immigration and anti-establishment economy and people’s needs are basic. Things are International Capital Strategies and a former devaluations.” fire and reaches for his fiddle.” anger were key issues in the decision to US executive board member at the They have also generally avoided criticiz- more complicated today. leave the EU. A YouGov poll published yes- International Monetary Fund. ing each other’s central banks. That diplomacy Queen dragged into row terday found 49 percent of Britons thought “To single (Germany) out when they don’t is credited at least in part for China’s recent Who pays? The diplomatic tangle is further compli- the state visit should go ahead, compared have authority to manipulate their currency, shift toward a more flexible currency regime A December study by OFCE, an economics think cated by May inviting Trump for a state vis- to 36 percent who wanted it cancelled. requires you to make a leap - which is to say that organizations like the International tank linked to the Sciences Po university in Paris, said it later in the year, when he will be hosted Meanwhile 50 percent thought Trump’s that ‘We don’t care that there actually is a Monetary Fund feel have brought the renmin- that to ensure nobody loses out from the elimination by Queen Elizabeth II. More than 1.7 mil- refugee ban was a bad idea, but 29 percent common currency. We are going to take you bi currency close to fair market value. In their of existing benefits, a universal income for French lion people have signed a parliamentary approved. to account.’” Monetary policy in the euro zone last report on the euro zone, IMF staff said adults would need to start at 785 euros per month. petition demanding that the trip be down- Trump has credited Brexit with paving is set by the European Central Bank, and it is they did think the euro was undervalued. But That is a little over what Hamon is proposing - graded over concerns that he will damage the way for a popular revolt against the the ECB’s money creation policies that have they said the range could be anywhere from 0 although pollsters give him little chance in the elec- the reputation of the highly popular establishment, which could also give May contributed to the euro’s recent decline in val- to 10 percent, though likely larger for tion given the dismal standing of the Socialist party queen. The petition is to be debated in par- leeway in their relationship, Klaas added. “He ue. Like the US Federal Reserve’s quantitative Germany. “The consequences (of a protection- liament on Feb 20. wants to repay Britain... as a way to say ‘well under the departing president, Francois Hollande. easing, those efforts have been regarded ist United States) affect us Germans as a lead- “Anything that embarrasses the queen done, good job’,” he said. The relationship will OFCE found that that level would translate into internationally as a reasonable response to ing export and import nation particularly plays badly in British politics,” said London therefore boil down to one calculation: “The supplemental spending of 480 billion euros, or an the region’s dangerous economic weakness - hard,” Federation of German Industries chief School of Economics (LSE) professor Iain question that Brits have to ask themselves is extra 22 percentage points of French GDP - “which is not as an effort to cheapen the currency to Dieter Kempf said in a speech in Berlin after Begg. Scaling down the visit would also values versus their wallets.” —AFP unrealistic in practice”. There are also philosophical gain a trade advantage. the Navarro comments. —Reuters objections. In June, Swiss voters rejected a proposed universal income in a referendum after critics slammed the idea as rewarding the lazy and the feck- less. “If a large number of people choose not to work, Trump order on immigration: Is it legal? or to work less, where will the money come from to finance their income?” commented Charles Wyplosz, S President Donald Trump’s executive order temporari- Washington University, noted in defense of the order. “The the arguments about a president’s plenary power over immi- economics professor at the Geneva Graduate ly halting refugee arrivals and blocking immigrants law favors Trump on the constitutionality,” he told MSNBC. gration are “misplaced”. He said there are two related ques- Institute. Ufrom seven majority Muslim nations marked perhaps “On the statutory side, there’s an argument under a 1965 tions - whether the president has statutory authority and But evangelists argue there will be plenty of scope the most contentious moment of his provocative new tenure. law,” he added, referring to the Immigration and Nationality whether he has constitutional authority - and that Trump is to innovate tax-gathering in the new economy, and The declaration triggered an international uproar as more Act that prohibits discrimination based on religion or wrong on both counts. say our current regimes for welfare are ridden with than 100 immigrants, refugees, and even legal permanent US national origin. But experts also say that law focused on Congress has repeatedly enacted laws to prevent the pres- residents were ensnared in a web of detention in several air- removing the skewing of immigration quotas, not national ident from excluding people based on ideology, he said, and inefficiencies that could, with a radical overhaul, free ports. Some were turned away and put on departing flights, security priorities. “There’s compelling arguments... support- Section 212 of the current immigration law code places clear up money for the proposed stipend. “As new tech- but many were released into the United States, often with the ing the president,” Turley said. prohibitions excluding immigrants based on their beliefs. nologies replace work, the question for the future is help of US attorneys, after a delay. Benjamin Wittes, editor-in-chief of Lawfare, said on his “The president is violating that provision,” Price told AFP in an how best to provide economic security for all,” econo- Critics savaged Trump’s order as haphazardly written, un- national security blog that despite the “malevolent” nature of interview. On the broader issue of constitutionality, courts mist and former US labor secretary Robert Reich American, even unconstitutional. Supporters argue it is the order for its potential to adversely impact so many inno- have warranted that the president has broad powers, but that wrote in a blog post. “A universal basic income will merely a temporary measure similar to restrictions put in cent lives, it passes legal muster. “The president’s power over if he was acting “based on religious animus or discriminatory almost certainly be part of the answer.” —AFP place by Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama in 2011, and refugee admissions is vast,” Wittes wrote. “His power to intent, then that constitutional analysis would change.” aimed at boosting national security at a time of heightened restrict visa issuances and entry of aliens to the United States Several Republican lawmakers have argued that Trump is global concern over terrorism. But is it legal? We take a look is almost as wide.” merely taking steps to keep Americans safe, but Price called at both sides. that a “fig leaf” on a larger problem. Trump’s comments on All articles appearing on these pages are ‘Violating’ provisions the campaign trail calling for a ban on Muslims, and state- the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait ‘Not a ban’ on Muslims But round one of the constitutional fight nonetheless has ments by his supporters including former New York mayor Times takes no responsibility for views The US Constitution’s First Amendment protects the right gone to the order’s opponents. Following immediate legal Rudy Giuliani saying Trump sought a Muslim ban and wanted to freedom of religion, speech and the press, a section now challenges by the American Civil Liberties Union, judges to do it legally, “give lie to that argument,” Price said. expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites known as “the establishment clause”. Supporters insist barred any deportations of legal refugees already in the While the order makes no mention of Islam or Muslims, readers to voice their opinions. Please send Trump’s “Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign country, including at airports, or of immigrants with legal it prioritizes “minority religion” refugee claims when immi- submissions via email to: opinion@kuwait- Terrorist Entry into the United States” abides by such a rule. visas from the seven nations listed in the order. District Judge gration resumes from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria times.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 “This is not - I repeat, not - a ban on Muslims,” Homeland Ann Donnelly, in issuing a stay, wrote that the order “violates and Yemen. Such an appearance of prioritizing Christian Security Secretary John Kelly said Tuesday, adding that reli- (petitioners’) rights to due process and equal protection guar- immigrants adds to the argument that Trump is discrimi- Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right gious liberty is a “fundamental treasured value”. anteed by the US Constitution.” nating, Price said. “You are going to see a lot of additional to edit any submission as necessary. The order indeed does not explicitly ban Muslims, some- Michael Price, counsel of the Liberty and National Security legal challenges to this executive order in the coming days,” thing Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George program at the Brennan Center for Justice, said that many of he said. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 SPORTS

Chelsea’s Ivanovic Blues fire coach Ken Vonn ready for joins Russia’s Zenit Hitchcock, promote Yeo risks in gold hunt

ST LOUIS: The St. Louis Blues have fired coach Ken Hitchcock. BERLIN: US ski queen Lindsey Vonn admits she is conscious of reinjuring MOSCOW: Defensive stalwart Branislav Ivanovic ended his hugely successful Assistant and coach-in-waiting Mike Yeo replaced him ahead the arm she broke last November when her quest for medals begins at next Chelsea career yesterday when he signed for Zenit Saint Petersburg for an of schedule. Yeo was supposed to succeed Hitchcock after this week’s world skiing championships. “I have not changed my racing style, undisclosed fee. The 32-year-old Serbian has signed a two-and-a-half-year con- season, the veteran coach’s final in St. Louis. General manager but if I were to fall, I was told I should keep my arm close to my body, if at all tract with an option of another year. “I had a strong desire to return to Russia,” Doug Armstrong announced the abrupt change yesterday possible,” Vonn told German magazine Sport Bild. “The risk of breaking the Ivanovic, who scored five goals in 54 matches for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2006- morning. The Blues are 24-21-5 and in eighth place in the arm again in a fall is very high. I’m ready to take the risk and have absolutely 07 before joining Chelsea in 2008, told the Zenit website. “I feel Western Conference. Despite being in a playoff spot through no doubts about my decision.” Vonn walked away from a crash in Saturday’s high motivation and a desire to continue playing at the high- 50 games, St. Louis has lost five of six and went 5-8 in January. downhill at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The 32-year-old will be est level.” Ivanovic won two Premier League titles, one The Blues lost at home to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night. racing at the world championships in St Moritz, Champions League, one Europa League, three FA Cups and Hitchcock took the fall for the Blues’ underachieving season, Switzerland from Monday until February 19, where one League Cup during his spell at Chelsea. He is one of only which had a lot to do with goaltending struggles. Goalies Jake she will be battling last year’s Swiss overall World five foreign players-along with Didier Drogba, John Obi Allen, Carter Hutton and Pheonix Copley have combined for Cup winner Lara Gut for downhill gold. “A medal in Mikel, Petr Cech and Gianfranco Zola-to reach the 300-game an .887 save percentage, which is the worst team mark in the St Moritz would be the cherry on top of the cake-the landmark for the Blues. Chelsea tweeted that Ivanovic, who NHL. The 65-year-old Hitchcock was in his sixth season as crowning moment of my comeback and a great has 82 caps and is captain of Serbia, was “a true Blues coach. They went 248-124-41 and made the playoffs in achievement,” Vonn added with the women’s down- Chelsea legend”. Zenit are second in the Russian each of his five seasons, reaching the Western Conference hill race on February 12. She has had just five World Premier League, five points off leaders Spartak final last spring. Fired by the Minnesota Wild last February, Yeo Cup races back since breaking her right arm in train- Moscow. The Russian league is on a three-month was brought on to Hitchcock’s staff in the offseason to be his ing last year, which followed a fractured knee in winter break and will resume in March. — AFP successor beginning in 2017-18.—AP February 2016. —AFP

Kuwaiti shooters continue their supremacy in Amir’s Grand Prix by Abdellatif Sharaa, won the gold medal with the score of 197.5 competition for men and those are expected to while his teammate Safar Al-Dousary took silver be the strongest and will see a strong fight for KUWAIT: Kuwait shooters continued their domi- with the score of 196.8 and Tunisian Alaa bin Ali the gold. nance of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad the bronze. Kuwait continued to top the medal table with Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sixth Grand Prix. Kuwait Bahraini shooter Mariam Hassani won the 14 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze), Saudi increased its chance of gold medals with the gold medal in the women’s individual skeet Arabia in second place with 7 medals (4 gold, 2 women’s skeet team event, while Qatar was sec- event and she was seconded by Kuwait’s Eman silver, 1 bronze). Qatar third with 7 medals (1 ond and Bahrain third. Al-Shamma and Qatar’s Reem Al-Sharshari end- gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze. Bahrain fourth with 5 In the 10 meter air pistol, Saudi team took the ed with bronze. medals (3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze) Egypt and gold and silver medal and Jordan took bronze. In Competitions will conclude today with the Morocco fifth with one gold each. Lebanon sixth the singles event Saudi shooter Atta Al-Enezi double trap event and 50 meter prone position with 2 silver, Oman seventh with 2 silver and four bronze. Iraq 8th with 1 silver. Jordan, Tunis and UAE ninth with 1 bronze. Kuwaiti Shooter Afrah bin Hussein said she received support from Kuwait Shooting Sport Club besides providing all requirements were a major reason for her winning the gold medal. She said the training team played an important role in working with her and correcting her approach. She said HH the Amir Grand Prix has become an annual event of good repute all over the world with the participation of outstanding shooters. President of Iraq’s Shooting Federation Zahid Nouri said HH the Amir Grand Prix is an event for all Arabs, as its continued success at world level both technically and at the organizational level. Moroccan shooter Yasmeen bint Abdelaziz said she was happy to participate in HH the Amir Grand Prix adding that the competition is so strong and enjoyable as world best shooters participate. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 SPORTS

Tiger Woods in Dubai while all the fans are in Phoenix

DUBAI: No player attracts a larger audi- “Greatest Show on Turf,” partly because for his Gangnam Style dance. Make a Phil Mickelson is a three-time winner of Even though he is No. 666 in the ence than Tiger Woods. No tournament the TPC Scottsdale has a stretch of clos- hole-in-one when you’re Tiger Woods? the Phoenix Open. Television (all times world, Woods is a big deal. That’s why the attracts a larger audience than the Waste ing holes as compelling as any on the Pandemonium . EST): Thursday-Friday, 3-7 p.m. (Golf European Tour put together a video clip Management Phoenix Open. Imagine PGA Tour, and mainly because there are Not to be overlooked are the players, Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. on its website of Woods’ greatest putting those two together. That has so many fans and such a party atmos- and there are plenty of them. Thomas (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS Sports). moment in Dubai. And he’s not even a happened only four times in the last 20 phere that the golf sometimes is an hasn’t lost all year, a winner at both European Tour member. years, and this won’t be one of those afterthought. Hawaii events he played. He’s been gone EUROPEAN TOUR Woods is playing the opening two occasions. The biggest crowd is on Saturday. The for two weeks and already another Woods is back in Dubai for the eighth rounds with the defending champion, Woods has taken his talents to the biggest stage is the par-3 16th hole, young player is attracting a ton of atten- time, and while he has two victories, his Danny Willett, and former U.S. Amateur Middle East to play in the Omega Dubai which has been turned into its own sta- tion. That would be Rahm, whose 60-foot first visit didn’t end so well. Thomas Bjorn champion Matt Fitzpatrick. That three- Desert Classic. The Phoenix Open is left dium. This is where players are tested, eagle putt at Torrey Pines will be shown was paired with him all four days in 2001, some alone has combined for five green with an expected 600,000 patrons to see even if they’re not in contention. Miss a every time he gets in contention this and it was one time that Woods blinked jackets and four US Amateurs. Willett some of the rising young stars in the putt and the fans can be brutal, as Chris year. Matsuyama is the defending cham- first. He hit into the water on the 18th says he has never properly been intro- game, from Jordan Spieth to Justin DiMarco found out in 2009. Make a putt, pion and No. 5 in the world, the first hole and made double bogey to finish duced to Woods. Rory McIlroy was sup- Thomas, from Hideki Matsuyama of and players can become stars by their Japanese player in 20 years to crack the second. But he had his share of big posed to play until a rib injury. Henrik Japan to Jon Rahm of Spain. reaction. James Hahn has won twice on top 5. With so much of the spotlight on moments, such as his 30-foot birdie putt Stenson at No. 4 is the highest-ranked The Phoenix Open is known as the the PGA Tour, yet he’s still known largely youth, there’s still room for the old guard. on the final hole in 2008 to beat Ernie Els. player in the field. —AP

Patriots defense unfazed by high-flying Falcons

HOUSTON: Something has got to give on show it.” In the seven prior instances where Super Bowl Sunday when the National the NFL’s top offense faced the stingiest Football League’s top-scoring Atlanta defense in the Super Bowl the defense has Falcons face a New England Patriots prevailed six times. defense that allowed the fewest points in While Atlanta averaged nearly 40 points the league. a game, New England allowed less than 17 The Patriots would lose in the glamour points a game on average, getting extra department, but count on their know-how stingy once opponents closed in on the and synchronicity to get the job done in US end zone. “That chemistry we built, we’re sport’s biggest event. “There’s not a lot of able to know where guys are going to be,” flash to us,” said linebacker Dont’a said Hightower. “We’re able to just kind of Hightower. “We’re a very competitive team. look at each other and just know, ‘Hey bro, What we do is make it hard for the other I’m rushing. ‘Hey, I’m dropping.’” team to score, and we do a great job of Hightower also said having the luxury of that.” “The biggest thing for us is that we practicing against prolific passer Tom Brady kind of gelled together. That chemistry, helped their cause. “We feel that we go that brotherhood and accountability really against one of the best if not the best grew and took off. offense every day in practice with Tom and “We’re not just a good football team, that outstanding pass team that we have,” we’re a smart football team.” Safety Devin said Hightower. “It’s good we get that test McCourty said the Pats’ defense built every day.” momentum as the season progressed. “We McCourty said the defensive secondary got off to a slow start, but you do not want had the same knack of knowing how their to peak during Week 1 or Week 5. You want colleagues would react. “It starts with us to peak towards the end of the season,” said hanging out in the locker room, us hanging McCourty. out off the field, going to dinners together, “We just play as a team. That is what it is building that bond and that trust it takes to all about, playing as a team. The numbers play together,” said McCourty. —Reuters The contender for the Six Nations for 2017 will be a tournament to savour. Bolt resigned to England, Ireland set to losing relay gold slug it out for title MELBOURNE: Usain Bolt says he is de Janeiro Olympics last year, faces a ban resigned to the fact that he’s lost one of his from the IAAF. Bolt, Powell and Michael nine Olympic gold medals, but isn’t holding Frater, the fourth member of the relay team DUBLIN: Ireland and England are gearing up for Howley while Warren Gatland focuses on his role this Six Nations. For a one-season trial, bonus any grudges against drug-tainted Jamaican which crossed the line in a world record a Grand Slam decider in the final match of the as British and Irish Lions coach. It is Italy’s first Six points will be on offer for teams either scoring relay teammate Nesta Carter. time of 37.1 seconds at the Beijing Games, Six Nations on St Patrick’s weekend in Dublin. Nations under coach Conor O’Shea, whose rein- four tries or more, or losing by fewer than seven Carter has said he will appeal after re- are all in Melbourne to compete in the The Irish going for a third title in four years. vigorated side beat South Africa for the first time points. Organizers hope this experiment, bring- analysis of his sample from the 2008 Beijing Nitro Athletics series. The English seeking a second straight title and a in November to boost hopes of avoiding the ing the Six Nations in line with the scoring sys- Games using more advanced scientific The meet held over three nights will fea- world-record 19th straight win. There are six wooden spoon for the 12th time in 17 editions tem in the Rugby Championship and most other methods returned a positive test to the ture six teams of 24 track and field athletes weeks, 14 matches, and likely a whole load of of the tournament, especially given its three leagues, will deliver more tries and place the prohibited stimulant methylhexaneamine. - 12 women and 12 men - from Australia, an drama before that could happen, and it’s often home matches. As for improving Scotland, Vern emphasis on an attacking style of play. Jones, The result announced by the international team representing the Bolt dangerous to make too many long-range predic- Cotter will look to end his coaching stint on a though, is among those thinking it will make lit- International Olympic Committee last week All-Stars, China, England, Japan, and New tions ahead of the northern hemisphere’s annual high before his return to club rugby with tle difference. meant Jamaica was stripped of the 4x100- Zealand. rugby tournament . Montpellier. It is the most competitive Scottish And then there is the carrot of the Lions tour meter relay gold, one of Bolt’s unprece- Organizers say the team-based competi- The prospect is enticing, nevertheless. And team for some time, but early losses to Ireland to New Zealand in June. Gatland will be watch- dented three gold medals at three consec- tion “combines strength, endurance, power current form suggests it’s a distinct possibility. and France might see doubts return to a team ing intently and there’ll be no better stage for utive Olympics at Beijing, London in 2012 and extreme energy” and includes sprint, England and Ireland have been the standout that often doesn’t live up to expectations. players from England, Ireland, Scotland and and Rio de Janeiro last year. distance, field and para-athletic events. The teams in the European game over the past year, Two other factors provide extra intrigue to Wales to prove themselves. —AP Bolt and fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa series continues on Feb. 9 and 11, also at emerging as genuine rivals for the superpowers Powell arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium. of the southern hemisphere approaching the for a Nitro Athletics meet which begins Former 100-meter world record holder midway part of the Rugby World Cup cycle. Saturday. Powell also served a doping ban in 2014 England is on a 14-match winning run, 13 of “Initially (I was) disappointed, of course,” after testing positive to the stimulant which have come under the stewardship of Vinales tops first Bolt said at Melbourne airport. “But in life, oxilofrine, although his sanction was Eddie Jones since the 2015 Rugby World Cup, things happen ... I’m not sad, I’m waiting to reduced from 18 months to six following a while Ireland beat New Zealand, Australia, and see if Nesta is going to appeal or whatever,” successful appeal to the Court of South Africa in a memorable second half of test of 2017 in Sepang Bolt added. “So right now I’m just waiting Arbitration for Sport. 2016. No wonder all roads are leading to Dublin to see what’s going to happen. But I gave “We went out there as a team and we on March 18. “I would think that England would KUALA LUMPUR: Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales in Sepang following the ban on external ones up my medal.” did what we had to do,” Powell said yester- still be favorites,” Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said, topped the timesheets on the final day yester- this year-registered 1min 59.589 seconds on Carter teamed with Bolt on three day. “It’s very unfortunate and we have to assessing the Six Nations contenders, “but I am day of the 2017 test season at Malaysia’s the clock to take the fifth spot. The Italian straight world championship relay-winning look to the future. We’ve accomplished a sure our odds would have shortened as com- Sepang circuit, ahead of teammate Valentino superstar is targeting an elusive 10th world teams, from 2011 through 2015. He also lot and we just need to be positive about pared to last year because I think there has been Rossi and Marc Marquez. The Spaniard, who title in a new MotoGP season dominated by took an individual bronze in the 100 in everything right now. I’m in no position to some visible growth in the team.” put in 72 laps, clocked 1min 59.368 seconds — riders switching allegiances and thereby 2013 in Moscow, behind Bolt and Justin say what should and should not be England starts out as odds-on favorites with 0.138 seconds faster than reigning world changing bikes too. Gatlin of the United States. (banned). It is what it is. Some things aren’t all British bookmakers, with Jones having inject- champion Marquez on a Honda who put in 85 “I’m quite happy, it was a good test, Carter, who did not compete at the Rio fair.” — AP ed self-belief and a street-wise edge to the team laps. “Today again, like yesterday, we worked because my lap times were OK and 1min that was in crisis after its elimination from its mainly on the race pace. We improved the 59.589 is not so bad and we are all very close home World Cup at the pool stage. Injuries have pace a lot,” said Vinales. at the top,” said Rossi. Three-time world cham- hit the English going into the tournament - No. 8 “We are developing the bike, trying to bet- pion Jorge Lorenzo, adjusting to his new Billy Vunipola and flanker Chris Robshaw have ter the package that we have, and I think for Ducati, was the ninth fastest at 1min 59.767 been ruled out of the whole thing, for example, sure we have the best bike at the moment for seconds. It was a vast improvement from day and winger Anthony Watson will miss the first one lap and on race distance.” one when he was 17th fastest but he leapt up two rounds at least - but such is the titleholders’ Italian Andrea Divizioso, on a Ducati, the timesheets on day two to number eight. strength in depth that it might not show. clinched the third fastest spot at 1min 59.553 Suzuki’s Andrea Iannone, the fastest rider on Jones is promising a “daring” brand of rugby. seconds while Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was day two on Tuesday, was 11th fastest on “It’s a big part of how we want to develop our fourth fastest at 1min 59.578 seconds. Wednesday at 2mins 00.045 seconds. game because we want to be a side that has the Light rain briefly hampered the action in The second round of testing will be held on courage to play our sort of rugby from the very the early afternoon but riders were unde- Phillip Island in Australia from February 15-17 first game of the tournament,” the Australian terred once dry conditions resurfaced. and a third round in Qatar from March 10-12. said. “Daring doesn’t mean flair. ... Daring to me Motorcycling superstar Rossi-debuting The 18-race MotoGP season gets under way in is having the mindset of going out to win the Yamaha’s new fairing with “internal” winglets Qatar on March 26. —AFP game, not relying on the opposition to make mistakes.” After all, England totaled 159 points in successive wins over South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia in the autumn internationals, and averaged 35 points in its series sweep of the Wallabies Down Under in June. Only Ireland’s players look close to the level of their English counterparts. And they won’t be short of confidence either, having ended New Zealand’s 18-match winning streak in Chicago in November. The emergence of tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong has given the Irish strength in an area where they’ve previously been light, while the impressive form of Leinster and Munster in the European Champions Cup suggests Ireland is ready to hit the ground running against Scotland in the tournament opener on Saturday. Hopes that the French might rise as potential title contenders on the back of an encouraging autumn series - they thrashed Samoa 52-8 and pushed Australia and New Zealand all the way in defeat - were hit by an Achilles tendon injury to Wesley Fofana that rules the dynamic center out completely. That could affect coach Guy Noves’ ambitions of France rediscovering its running SEPANG: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Spanish rider Maverick Vinales takes a corner during game out wide. the last day of 2017 MotoGP pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit yester- The Welsh have a new captain in Alun Wyn day. — AFP Usain Bolt Jones, as well as a temporary head coach in Rob THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 SPORTS Australia captain Wade to return from NZ tour

NAPIER: Australia captain Matthew Wade he will be able to participate in that tour has been ruled out of the remainder of the without any issues.” one-day series against New Zealand and Aaron Finch will continue to lead the will return home for treatment on a back side, having stepped in about 30 minutes injury to ensure he is fit for the tour of before the first game started in Auckland India, the team said yesterday. on Monday. Wade had been appointed to The wicketkeeper had told reporters in lead Australia in the absence of regular Napier earlier on Wendesday that he had skipper Steve Smith (injury) and rested already been ruled out of the second one- vice-captain David Warner. dayer at McLean Park, but hoped to be able CA said they would not seek a replace- to play in Sunday’s third game in Hamilton. ment player. Peter Handscomb took the “With Matthew not being fit for gloves for the Eden Park match and is to Thursday’s game... it has been decided to continue behind the stumps for the rest of send him home for an assessment and the series led 1-0 by New Zealand. treatment in Melbourne, with a view to him Wade, who looked uncomfortable doing being fit for the tour of India and the train- wicketkeeping drills with assistant coach ing camp in Dubai that precedes it,” Cricket Brad Haddin yesterday, said the injury had Australia’s (CA) chief medical officer John occurred at training when he dived for a Orchard said. “We are hopeful this injury catch and felt his back “tighten up”. will settle down relatively quickly and that “It’s just about trying to rest and recov- er,” he told reporters at McLean Park. “It has been really frustrating. But there should be no problem for India.” He later said facing a bus ride on Friday to Hamilton for the third match had been a factor in the decision to return home. “It’s not a major injury but with the short turnaround between matches and the four- and-a-half hour journey by bus to Hamilton for the next match, its been decided its best for me to go home and get some treatment in Melbourne,” Wade said. “I’ll MARSEILLE: Marseille’s forward Dimitri Payet, left, challenges for the ball with Lyon’s French forward Nabil Fekir, during the French Cup soccer get that bit of treatment in Melbourne and match between Marseille and Lyon, at the Velodrome Stadium, in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday. — AP we’re hopeful it’ll be fine by Sunday or Monday and I can be on a flight to Dubai and start training pretty much as soon as I Matthew Wade hit the ground there.” The four-Test tour of Payet debuts as Marseille India starts in Pune on Feb. 23. — Reuters W Indies’ Russell gets advance to Cup q-finals PARIS: Marseille’s star recruit Dimitri Payet “I haven’t played for a month and I felt it, but young, he’s learning in a position that he isn’t year ban for doping made his debut on Tuesday but it was Brazilian I’m motivated to find my level again.” Despite used to, but in our system players must sacri- Doria who booked the team’s French Cup quar- the arrival of the star of the winter transfer win- fice themselves to help the team. “He has SYDNEY: Globetrotting West Indian all- “We will monitor the appeals process ter-final berth with a 2-1 extra time win over dow it was old recruits who kept 10-time Cup remained serene every time he has had diffi- rounder Andre Russell has been banned and assess our options.” Under WADA’s Lyon. Payet rejoined the Ligue 1 side on a four- winners Marseille on track in the 100th edition culties and he has been criticised, he has got- from all cricket for a year over a doping whereabouts rules, elite athletes must and-a-half-year deal on Sunday after Marseille of the tournament in which they hold the joint ten down to work.” code violation, his Australian Twenty20 supply details of where they will be for paid 30 million euros ($31.3 million, £25 million) record number of trophies along with defend- Lyon, who had beaten Marseille 3-1 just ten club said yesterday. The 28-year-old did one hour each day to facilitate drug tests. to bring him back to the Stade Velodrome. ing champions Paris Saint-Germain who travel days ago, exit the tournament they have won not file his whereabouts on three occa- Russell played the first five games of the And the 29-year-old former West Ham player to Rennes on Wednesday. Rod Fanni, recalled five times, most recently in 2012. “It’s a huge sions in 2015 as required, which consti- Big Bash League this year for Thunder came on to a standing ovation after 94 minutes last summer by former coach Frank Passi, head- disappointment. It hurts to be eliminated from as the Cup clash was deadlocked 1-1 and head- ed in the opener on 24 minutes before Corentin the French Cup,” said Lyon coach Bruno Genesio. tutes a failed drugs test under World before withdrawing due to injury and ing into extra-time. Tolisso equalised for the visitors on 64 minutes. “We have to pick ourselves up, and learn Anti?Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. being replaced by international teammate “It was exceptional, a moment that I will And 22-year-old Doria, who had been side- from this for our next match.” Ligue 1 sides His punishment was handed down by Carlos Brathwaite. remember forever,” said an emotional Payet, lined by former Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa Bordeaux, Lille and Lorient also advanced, as the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission Sydney Thunder director of cricket who had effectively gone on strike at his and loaned out twice, stole the show. He came Nantes and Dijon exited. on Tuesday. “We are devastated for Mike Hussey said he felt for Russell. “I feel London club in his bid to return to France. on in place of another new recruit Patrice Evra Lille ground out a 1-0 win at home against Andre,” said Sydney Thunder general for him. He’s been going through a really “I had the shivers when I walked onto the who picked up a thigh injury three minutes Nantes with Sebastien Corchia slotting in a manager Nick Cummins, in confirming tough time of late with all the ‘where- pitch. The public were totally behind us, we after the break and fired in the winner after 109 penalty after 81 minutes. the outcome. abouts’ saga going on and he’s been wait- wanted to reward them with victory. “The minutes at the Velodrome. A last-gasp GaÎtan Laborde goal two minutes “We haven’t seen the written judge- ing to hear the finding of that hearing,” important thing was to win whether I was on “Evra, we’ll know more tomorrow, I don’t into time added on helped Bordeaux past Dijon ment, but given the circumstances sur- Hussey told the Cricket Australia website. the pitch or not. In the locker room I’m not in think it’s serious,” said Marseille coach Rudi 2-1 as top flight tailenders Lorient were made to rounding the filing failures we thought he “I want him to go away and get better the same place and I haven’t the same jersey, Garcia. “We knew that he and Dimitri Payet work hard for a 3-2 extra time win at had a good chance of being exonerated. physically but also mentally.”— AFP but I have the same passion. aren’t 100 percent. I’m happy for Doria, he’s Chateauroux. — AFP

All finalists of KBC Winners Boubyan Bank Boubyan Bank clinches KBC trophy

KUWAIT: Kuwait Cricket hosted the presti- and put up a huge total of 195, with Saad gious Kuwait Banks League at the Sulaibiya Khalid playing an excellent knock of 69 runs cricket ground on Saturday with an explosive from just 35 balls and boasting 5 huge sixes. In finals day. reply, Commercial Bank started their run chase Boubyan Bank had to pull out all of their well, despite losing their opener Kunal Cheaply experience to overcome the spirited challenge for 1. After the initial precarious start, Nitin of National Bank of Kuwait to lift the presti- played a wonderful knock of 69 runs scoring gious Kuwait Banks League Cup Trophy. all-round the ground, but with feeling the pres- Winning the toss, National Bank of Kuwait sure of losing partners on the other end, he (NBK) elected to bat first but were dented with tried to play one too many. With Nitin’s down- a heavy blow as they lost their first 3 wickets. fall Commercial Bank could finally only manage The total sat at just 29 on the scoreboard, with 162 runs in their allotted 20 overs, thereby giv- Aamer Javed from Boubyan Bank seen to be ing KFH their first Plate Trophy of the season. bowling with utmost accuracy as the ball Newly appointed Kuwait Cricket Chairman swung both ways. Reeling at 29 for 3 in the 6th Mahmood Bastaki thanked everyone present at over, the NBK innings started to look stable the venue and along with KBC board member with some sensible batting by Ronald Qutayba Al-Bassam, presented the KBC Cup Fernandes and Yasir Idrees who slowly and Winner Trophy to the Boubyan skipper Faraaz steadily consolidated the earlier loss with an and presented the Runners Up Trophy to NBK exceptional batting display. Once both the skipper Khurram Rana. Kuwait Banks Club offi- batsmen got themselves settled in, Yasir cial Khalid Balushi, along with NBK Management Director Juniors & Corporate with Chairman Mahmood Bastaki. played some excellent strokes to score a solid presented the Late Finalist Trophy to the KFH 90 in just 48 balls with 8 towering sixes, well skipper Faraaz and the Runner Up Trophy to supported by Ronald who scored a brilliant 53, CBK’s skipper. helping NBK to post a challenging total of 178 It was an all-round exciting day with some in their allotted 20 overs. amazing individual executions, as well as a sol- Boubyan were confident of chasing the id team effort from all that attended the sunny total, despite an uneven track, but they were but windy day at Sulaibiya and we look for- given a major setback when they lost their ward to some more outstanding performances prolific opening batsman Aamer after gaining from the upcoming Finals of the AUB Trophy in just 21 runs. With the fall of another two quick March. wickets of Rifkaz and Alwyn, it looked The presentation ceremony was conducted extremely shaky for Boubyan. Bringing in to by the Director Domestic & Marketing Sajid the crease the dependable Abid Mushtaq, who Ashraf who appreciated the participating along with the support from Hisham and skip- teams and sponsors especially the hard work per Faraaz played a phenomenal innings of 81 and efforts of the KC Council headed by chair- to ensure Boubyan Bank achieved the target man Mahmood Bastaki along with other coun- with 8 balls to spare. This impressive perform- cil members who were present on the occa- ance rightly secured Mushtag the title of the sion; Director Junior & Corporate Harshith Vora Man Of the Match. responsible for the successful running and In the Plate Final, KFH upset Commercial execution of the league with the support of Bank of Kuwait by winning the match by 33 Director IT & Website Rishi D Jayan and Head runs. Winning the toss, KFH decided to bat first of Logistics Robert D’souza. KFH Plate finals winner. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 SPORTS Drogba repels bullet-proof Corinthians offer

RIO DE JANEIRO: Former Chelsea (110,000 euros) a week, a 24-hours-per- right move for me at this time,” wrote In mid-January Corinthians’ sporting ing there for the 2014-2015 season. striker Didier Drogba has refused an day translator, six return tickets to Drogba. director Flavio Adauto had indicated A Champions League and four-time offer to join Corinthians of Brazil that Europe-and a bullet-proof car. The club thanked the player for that Drogba had been approached by Premier League winner with the Blues, would have included generous wages Drogba said on Twitter yesterday showing an interest. “Life is made on the club and that his relatively modest Drogba has hinted at a return to and a bullet-proof car. that he had spoken with the choices and this renowned player will demands would be met. Marseille. The former Ivory Coast cap- The Ivory Coast star, 38, is out of Corinthians president Roberto de head for other horizons this season,” Drogba moved to Chelsea from tain has also played for Chinese side contract after a spell at Montreal Andrade to decline the offer. “I’m very Andrade said in a press release head- Marseille in 2004, remaining at Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray in Impact and was offered $120,000 honoured... but it doesn’t feel like the lined “Thanks anyway, Drogba”. Stamford Bridge until 2012 then return- Turkey. -— AFP

Mourinho warns Martial to prove his worth

MANCHESTER: Anthony Martial still has Premier League rivals who fielded severely work to do to convince Manchester United weakened line-ups in the FA Cup at the manager Jose Mourinho he is worthy of a weekend. regular starting place in his Premier League line-up. French forward Martial, signed ‘MISTAKE’ from Monaco in 2015, has endured a diffi- “I don’t do it,” said Mourinho. “Even if I cult season since Mourinho’s arrival. am the manager of a club without the Martial has scored just two league goals same ambitions as us, especially in the FA this term and has drawn criticism recently Cup. “I did it once, in my first year in from his manager, leading to speculation England, I understood the mistake. I under- that he might be leaving Old Trafford dur- stood the dimensions of my decision. ing the January transfer window. “It was a period where we had to play No move has materialised and Barcelona in the Champions League. We Mourinho was adamant that the 21-year- went direct to the League Cup final against old would be staying with the club. Liverpool. “In that period we played Martial was handed a starting opportu- Newcastle in the FA Cup and I threw it nity in the weekend FA Cup win over away. I understood the dimension. The FA Championship club Wigan. Cup deserves respect. “I don’t do that. If I He improved after a poor first-half show- am changing players I do it because I have ing, assisting on two goals in the 4-0 victo- to give chances to some other players. I ry. But as Mourinho prepared for his side’s have to give rest to some others. “I will next fixture, a home Premier League meet- change players against Blackburn because I ing with Hull on Wednesday, the United have to give players a chance. I will change manager revealed Martial still has some but I am not going with a team with seven way to go if he is to regain his trust. kids. I can’t do that. I will risk but I can’t do “He has done enough to be on the that.” Similarly, Mourinho claimed that he bench,” said Mourinho. “He has to perform will treat the Europa League with equal better than the others who are competing seriousness as it offers the chance of for the same positions. “His position is one Champions League football next season where we have lots of options. Do you should United advance past Saint-Etienne want me to leave Mkhitaryan out after in the last 32 and go on to win the trophy. being man of the match and playing so “Personally, I miss the Champions well as he did? I can’t. League,” he said. “Every match I don’t play “The players pick themselves. I am just in the Champions League means an incred- LONDON: Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, right, and Watford’s Craig Cathcart challenge for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match there to analyse what they do and try to be ible number of matches is not going up. between Arsenal and Watford at the Emirates stadium in London, Tuesday. —AP fair with them. Such a good performance, “I am the youngest one to be in the club Mkhitaryan has to play tomorrow. Simple.” of 100. Every time I don’t play I am not hap- The Wigan victory maintained United’s py. “But obviously Manchester United is interest in all four competitions in which much more important than me and my Wenger stumped after they started the season. individual targets. And despite a gruelling February ahead, “What matters is Manchester United and in which they will play seven fixtures in all as everyone knows, Manchester United is a four tournaments, Mourinho insists he will club that belongs to the Champions not follow the example set by a number of League.” — AFP Watford sink Arsenal

they can achieve great things. “But we had at least four or five players com- Premier League hits “I was very happy at the end because recently ing back from injury and who hadn’t played 90 Arsenal 1 we deserved to win some games, but didn’t minutes for a long time, so they weren’t in con- because luck was not on our side. We needed a dition to play the full 90 minutes at the same lev- record transfer spend big win, especially for the morale of the team. el. “Today was a great game and I want to dedi- “Of course I would have liked us to play the cate this victory to a great person in Graham LONDON: Premier League clubs have Dimitri Payet, Odion Ighalo and Memphis Watford 2 whole 90 minutes like we did in the first half. Taylor.” —AFP shelled out a record £1.4 billion in transfers Depay, as well as around £20m worth of this season, according to a report yesterday sales to Championship clubs, have helped that warned of over-reliance on big Premier League clubs record net receipts LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was Chinese spending. for the first time in a transfer window,” said Negredo on target but at a loss to explain his side’s appalling first-half The Deloitte consultancy study said top- Jones. “As was the case last year, it is clubs display during their surprise 2-1 defeat by tier English sides made 40 million pounds in the bottom half of the table who have Watford at the Emirates Stadium. Middlesbrough held ($50 million/46 million euros) in profit from driven expenditure this January, investing His side mustered just three wayward efforts the January transfer window, the first time in their squads in an attempt to secure sur- on goal in the opening 45 minutes as they they have come out of the football horse- vival.” This month has seen the increasingly allowed Watford to canter into a two-goal lead behind after six minutes. trading in the black. wealthy Chinese Super League flex its and damage further their tilt at the Premier After the home side failed to clear their The market closed on Tuesday night financial muscles with Brazil international League title. Middlesbrough 1 lines from a ball into the box, West Brom skip- with Southampton swooping for Napoli’s Oscar leaving Chelsea for Shanghai SIPG in “It was not good in the first half, especially in per Darren Fletcher expertly chested down to Italy forward Manolo Gabbiadini for at least a move worth £51 million. the first 20 minutes. We were beaten in the duels Morrison and the former Middlesbrough £14 million while Burnley completing the With Tuesday’s deadline day made more and Watford were sharper than us,” Wenger academy product rifled low past Victor Valdes reported club-record £13 million signing of complicated by the fact several Premier admitted after Tuesday’s match. West Brom 1 from the edge of the area. Norwich winger Robbie Brady. League clubs had important fixtures, one of “Did we think subconsciously that we just Boro were nearly two down inside the first Deloitte said total gross spending by the few big deals in the closing hours of had to turn up? I don’t know. Honestly we pre- quarter of an hour as Chris Brunt’s dipping Premier League clubs for the 2016/17 sea- the window saw more Chinese spending as pared well for the game. Looking at the prepara- MIDDLESBROUGH: Alvaro Negredo rescued volley went narrowly over, but they were giv- son is now almost £1.4 billion ($1.76 bil- Watford striker Ighalo joined Changchun tion, I have no basic regret. Middlesbrough as the Spanish striker’s penal- en a lifeline in the 17th minute when lion/1.6 billion euros) smashing the previ- Yatai for a fee reported to be around £20 “We knew that Watford would make it very ty secured a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich McAuley senselessly hacked down De Roon ous record of £1 billion set last season. million. But Deloitte warned the days of physical and we prepared for that. “You do not Albion on Tuesday. Aitor Karanka’s side fell in the area, allowing Negredo to stroke home The latest eye-watering outlay was “far Chinese teams splashing out on players make 47 points after 23 games in the Premier behind when their former midfielder James the spot-kick as he sent Ben Foster the wrong in excess of any other league in world foot- could be coming to an end. League if you don’t have physical power, but you Morrison lashed home from 20 yards early on way. Middlesbrough almost pulled ahead ball”, said Dan Jones of Deloitte’s sports “The spending activity by clubs in the have to switch it on 100 percent all of the time in at the Riverside Stadium. when Allan Nyom diverted Adama Traore’s business department. In all, the 20 Premier Chinese Super League (CSL) has grabbed the Premier League. “We didn’t start the way we They drew level before the break after cross towards goal, only for Foster to keep it League clubs spent £215 million on new many headlines in recent weeks,” said wanted, but in the second half it was all us and Gareth McAuley needlessly brought down out as well as Cristhian Stuani’s rebound from players during the market from January 1 Jones. “CSL clubs have spent over £150 mil- let’s be fair, we didn’t deserve to lose this game. Marten de Roon in the area and Negredo an acute angle. until Tuesday, Deloitte said, the second- lion so far during their current off-season, “We hit the bar and (Watford goalkeeper slotted home the resulting spot-kick. After the interval, Valdes was almost beat- highest amount for this window since which began in November 2016. “However, Heurelho) Gomes made fantastic saves as well, The point will hardly soothe Karanka, who en twice as West Brom hit both posts in the 2011. The bottom six teams fighting for with the CFA having recently announced so I still think that if you look at the chances, we on Monday admitted his frustrations at fail- space of seconds, first through Matt Phillips’ their Premier League lives-Hull City, that tighter regulations around player were unlucky to lose. “On top of that we were a ing to sufficiently add to his squad in the diving header then Salomon Rondon’s follow Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Swansea, reign- transfer and salary expenditure are to be bit unlucky with the free-kick for the first goal January transfer window. up. Immediately afterwards, Middlesbrough ing champions Leicester City and introduced, as well as imposing limits on and then a deflected shot on top of that.” Middlesbrough are now just two points broke down the right, which led to De Roon’s Middlesbrough-accounted for more than the number of foreign players allowed, it Younes Kaboul’s deflected free-kick gave clear of the relegation zone after failing to first time strike being clawed away by Foster. 50 percent of the January sales spending. will be interesting to see whether CSL clubs Watford a 10th-minute lead and Watford added win for the sixth consecutive league game. Karanka’s men also had three shots in But the Premier League still came out in match this level of expenditure in future a second three minutes later when Troy Deeney Karanka, who made seven changes to the quick succession blocked by the Baggies, the black as a whole. “The sales of Oscar, off-seasons.” —AFP tucked in the rebound from Etienne Capoue’s line-up from the 1-0 FA Cup win over while Brunt’s strike from distance was tipped shot. Arsenal, who replied through Alex Iwobi, Accrington at the weekend, saw his side fall over by Valdes. — AFP travel to leaders Chelsea on Saturday and Wenger insisted his team will not suffer from a hangover from this result. Nor was he comforted by draws for Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, which limited the ground Arsenal lost.

TAYLOR TRIBUTE “We want to respond against Chelsea and win the game, of course. But we first have to analyse why we didn’t start well in this game,” said the Frenchman, whose team now trail Chelsea by nine points. “I’m responsible for the results of the team so I am very frustrated that we did not win the game. We are playing at home, we had a great opportunity and we had a start like we did. “We have to learn from that and respond very quickly and in a very convincing way. What the other teams do doesn’t matter.” Wenger confirmed that Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey had limped off with a calf strain. For Watford manager Walter Mazzari, the result justified his decision to rest almost his entire first team for Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by third-tier Millwall. The Italian made a point of dedicating the victory to former Watford manag- er Graham Taylor, who passed away on January 12. “My objective is for Watford to stay in the MANCHESTER: This file photo taken on January 21, 2017 shows Manchester City’s Premier League and to make my team grow MIDDLESBROUGH: Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, left, and West Bromwich Albion’s Jose Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus (L) running with the ball during the English Premier game by game, week by week,” said Mazzarri, Salomon Rondon battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match League football match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at the whose side sit 13th. between Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion, at the Riverside Stadium, in Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England. Jesus, 19, agreed to join City last “Of course the players need this victory to Middlesbrough, England, Tuesday. — AP year, but did not formally complete his transfer until earlier this month. — AFP work better with me and also to believe that THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 SPORTS Resurgent Cameroon stand in Ghana’s path

FRANCEVILLE: The nearly men of four. “It’s not just by chance but by the responding to insults directed at his been preparing in the knowledge they goalless draw. They have put behind African football in recent years, Ghana hard work the team has put in,” Ghana’s mother but nevertheless issued an offi- have already exceeded expectations in them the withdrawals of key players go into a sixth consecutive semi-final at assistant coach Maxwell Konadu told cial apology. “I accept that as an ambas- making it this far. Their build-up has before the competition, including Joel the Cup of Nations when they face reporters on Wednesday when asked sador for my country Ghana and a role been slightly tarnished over a disagree- Matip and Eric Choupo-Moting, and are Cameroon in Franceville today. about the Black Stars’ consistency at the model for many across the globe, I ment relating to bonuses, with Broos flourishing under their Belgian coach. The Black Stars have not won the tro- tournament. “The players are always should not have reacted this way,” said saying the country’s federation has “The players who didn’t come have phy since 1982, instead gaining a repu- willing to do something for their nation. the 29-year-old. shown the team “a lack of respect”. But their own personal reasons why they tation for coming up just short all too One thing we all dream to achieve is to the coach insisted that the issue will not didn’t come and we are not looking often over the last decade. win the cup this time around.” EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS be held up as an excuse if their run ends back,” said the defender Fai Collins. Avram Grant’s side lost on penalties Konadu confirmed that Ghana are The sedate town of Franceville, set here. “We have not been happy since the Collins remembers well the win to the Ivory Coast in the final two years hopeful of having skipper Asamoah amidst lush green rolling hills around start of the tournament but you have against Ghana at the same stage nine ago, while their current run of near miss- Gyan-a survivor of the 2008 squad-back the Mpassa river, was the venue for never seen that on the field,” he said. years ago when the Indomitable Lions es began with a 1-0 last-four defeat to fit from the adductor injury suffered in Cameroon’s penalty shoot-out win over “If we lose it will not be because the side featured stars like Samuel Eto’o and Cameroon at home in Accra in 2008. their last group game against Egypt and Senegal in the last round. money is not good, it will be because Rigobert Song. “I remember I was at But in Gabon they have seemed like a that kept him out of the DR Congo win. So while Ghana had to travel to the Ghana are better than us.” home, watching the game with my par- side on a mission to end their long title Meanwhile, Razak Brimah will hope south-east of Gabon from Oyem, Cameroon progressed from their ents,” he said. “It was an extraordinary drought and a 2-1 quarter-final win over to keep his place in goal despite being Cameroon were able to stay at their group at the expense of hosts Gabon feeling for us beating Ghana knowing DR Congo in Oyem on Sunday, secured fined $2,500 by the Ghanaian FA after base in the nearby town of Moanda, one and then edged out a much-fancied they had a very good squad. Now I am thanks to a goal each from the Ayew upsetting supporters with an outburst of the biggest manganese producers in Senegal thanks to a Sadio Mane miss in here and I hope I can have the same brothers, took them through to the last on Facebook. Razak said he was the world. There Hugo Broos’s side have a penalty shoot-out that followed a feeling as I did back then.” — AFP

Ranieri blames handball as Leicester lose to Burnley

Leicester City have signed Mali centre back Molla Wague on loan from Udinese until Burnley 1 the end of the Premier League season. Leicester said that Wague, who played in this month’s African Nations Cup against Leicester’s Ghanaian midfielder Daniel Leicester City 0 Amartey, was their second signing of the transfer window that closes on Tuesday. The club have an option to buy the play- er, whose move is subject to international BURNLEY: Sam Vokes grabbed a late win- clearance, from his parent club Granada at ner as Burnley piled more pressure on the end of the season. struggling Premier League champions “I’m delighted to be at Leicester City and Leicester City on Tuesday. I can’t wait to get started. It’s a wonderful With the match seemingly heading for a club and I’m excited to have the chance to goalless draw, Vokes hooked home from show what I can do in the Premier League close range off a headed knockdown from with the champions,” the French-born play- Michael Keane to secure Burnley’s fifth suc- er told the club website. cessive home win. Wague, a former French youth interna- The ball hit the Wales striker’s hand tional, has been on loan at Udinese since before he scored but referee Mike Dean 2014, making 37 appearances for the Serie dismissed Leicester’s appeals. “It was a A club. He also played alongside former handball. It was for everybody, for the tele- Leicester player N’Golo Kante at Caen earli- vision, but not for the referee,” Leicester er in his career. — Agencies manager Claudio Ranieri told the BBC. “The referee is the boss. He didn’t see it and we lost - in this moment everything is wrong against us, including the decision of the referee.” Matches on TV Burnley have taken all but one of their (Local Timings) 29 points at Turf Moor this season while Leicester, with 21 points from 23 games, African Nations Cup have yet to win away from home in the cur- LIVERPOOL: Chelsea’s Brazilian defender David Luiz (L) vies with Liverpool’s German midfielder Emre Can during the English Premier League rent campaign and are now perilously close Cameroon v Ghana 22:00 football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on Tuesday. — AFP to the drop zone. beIN SPORTS MAX 2 HD The Foxes are 16th, level on points with beIN SPORTS MAX 1 HD Swansea below them and just two clear of the relegation places. Spain Copa del Rey Mignolet atones to They now have the worst record after 23 games of any reigning top-flight champi- Celta de Vigo v Deportivo Alaves23:00 ons and Tuesday’s defeat was the first time beIN SPORTS they had suffered three successive Premier League losses under Ranieri. English Championship League keep Chelsea tethered Leicester have not won away since they Huddersfield v Brighton & Hove Albion22:45 beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of beIN SPORTS Light in April 2016, when they were well on losing four successive home games for the first sive attentiveness gave Chelsea the break- their way to a fairytale title. time since 1923. through. As Luiz advanced to strike his free-kick, Meanwhile, struggling champions While the point did little to enhance their title 25 yards from goal and to the left of centre, Liverpool 1 hopes, it was a much improved display by Mignolet was gesticulating to his team-mates on Jurgen Klopp’s men after successive exits from the edge of the area. the League Cup and FA Cup against The Brazilian struck the ball with ferocious Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers. but controlled power and it zipped over the wall Chelsea 1 “I’m not sure happy is the right word to say before crashing in via the left-hand post, with how I’m feeling, but I’m proud of the boys Mignolet rooted to the spot. because they did outstanding things against a Liverpool should have levelled four minutes LIVERPOOL: Simon Mignolet went from zero to really good side,” Klopp told BT Sport. into the second half when Roberto Firmino hero as Liverpool prevented Chelsea from signif- “I’m happy we could give this sign and create hoisted the ball clear of the bar from 15 yards icantly extending their lead at the Premier this atmosphere. It was a good performance.” out after Eden Hazard had slid in to rob Clyne. League summit in a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Costa’s squandered 77th-minute penalty, But following a sight of goal at the other end Tuesday. awarded for a foul on him by Joel Matip, meant for Victor Moses, who clipped the post after The Belgian goalkeeper was caught day- Chelsea failed to win for only the second time in charging down James Milner’s clearance, the dreaming as David Luiz put Chelsea ahead with 17 league games, but the title remains theirs to home side levelled in the 57th minute. a first-half free-kick, but after Georginio lose. Klopp had trumpeted his team’s ability to Jordan Henderson’s deep cross from the right Wijnaldum equalised, his penalty save denied beat “anyone else in this league” in the match was headed back across goal by Milner, with a Diego Costa a late winner. programme and with England pair Nathaniel touch from Moses enabling Wijnaldum to direct With Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur drop- Clyne and Adam Lallana back from injury, his a low header beneath Courtois’s despairing dive. ping points, victory would have sent Chelsea 11 men began sharply. Sadio Mane made his Liverpool comeback in points clear, but instead Antonio Conte’s side place of Philippe Coutinho, his Africa Cup of had to content themselves with eking their MANE COMEBACK Nations quest with Senegal having been ended advantage up to nine points. Their aggressive pressing prevented Chelsea by his squandered penalty against Cameroon in “It’s a pity Diego Costa missed the penalty from settling into a rhythm and Wijnaldum saw a the quarter-finals. because he played very well,” said Chelsea man- rasping shot parried by visiting goalkeeper But here it was Costa who fluffed his lines ager Conte. “We had different chances to score Thibaut Courtois. from 12 yards as Mignolet dived to his right to goals, but we must be happy with the result and Conte, clad in a tracksuit and puffer jacket shovel away the Chelsea striker’s poorly struck the performance because it is not easy to play that recalled former manager Jose Mourinho’s spot-kick. Pedro Rodriguez, on for Willian, came away at Liverpool.” attire during Chelsea’s pivotal 2-0 win here in close to sparing Costa’s blushes with a snapshot Liverpool remain 10 points off the pace in 2014, kicked the ball away in frustration at one that flashed wide, while Firmino could only fourth place, but although they have won just point. But in the 24th minute a combination of direct a header straight at Courtois at the oppo- one of their nine matches in 2017, they avoided exquisite technique and inexcusably lax defen- site end. — AFP Tottenham’s Pochettino rues missed opportunity

fessed to leaving Sunderland reflecting on what “We weren’t aggressive enough-that was the might have been at an opportunity lost. problem and we can’t afford that. “We all need to Sunderland 0 “I’m disappointed, not frustrated,” he said. learn and try to fix it.” Relegation-threatened “We’re on a good run at the moment, and it was a Sunderland failed with late transfer bids for chance to cut the gap on Chelsea so when you Leicester City forward Leo Ulloa and drop two points like tonight then it’s difficult not Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez as David Tottenham 0 to feel bad about it.” Moyes attempted unsuccessfully to fill the void Danny Rose faces a scan on a knee injury that left by the two-month injury absence of Nigerian forced the England defender off before half-time international Victor Anichebe. “I don’t know if I’d SUNDERLAND: Tottenham manager Mauricio in an uncompromising contest. Sunderland mid- use the word frustrating,” said Moyes, who Pochettino admitted he was disappointed after fielder Jack Rodwell was fortunate to escape with bought in Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo on his side dropped two points in their bid to eat only a yellow card after a sickening challenge on Monday from one of his former clubs Everton. into Premier League leaders Chelsea’s lead with a Tottenham’s Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele. “We were trying to add to the squad but we knew 0-0 draw with struggling Sunderland on Tuesday. Spurs return to action at the weekend when it was going to be a difficult few days. “The injury Spurs leapfrogged London rivals Arsenal on goal- they host Middlesbrough on February 4. “Danny to Victor made the situation a lot harder for us. difference, nine points behind Chelsea-who were will be assessed,” said Pochettino. “He’s twisted Some players we couldn’t get, and some clubs held 1-1 by Liverpool on Tuesday-after a bruising his knee and we’ll know more tomorrow. I don’t chose not to sell their players, so that’s where stalemate at struggling Sunderland. know if it was a red card for Rodwell, it’s difficult we’re at.” Pochettino’s side are unbeaten in the league for referees to take a quick decision, and we need The Black Cats are without a win in eight BURNLEY: Burnley, England, United Kingdom: Leicester City’s English-born Jamaican since mid-December, an eight-match run that has to support his decision. games in all competitions, but were boosted by a defender Wes Morgan vies with Burnley’s Welsh striker Sam Vokes (R) during the seen them take 20 of a possible 24 points to “I thought we were poor in the first half and welcome point to lift them off the bottom of the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf maintain their hopes of securing at the very least although we were better in the second, it wasn’t Premier League on goal difference ahead of Hull, Moor in Burnley, north west England on Tuesday. —AFP a top four finish in May. The Argentinian con- enough to win the game. who play Manchester United yesterday.—AFP Kuwaiti shooters Mignolet atones continue their to keep Chelsea supremacy tethered in Amir’s15 Grand Prix 19 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

English Premier League hits record transfer spend Page 18

BANGALORE: Indian team players pose for a photograph with the trophy after winning against England during the third T20 cricket match between India and England at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. — AFP Chahal sinks England as India clinch series

BANGALORE: Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal got three wickets in his fourth ball knock as he put on crucial partner- Chahal claimed six wickets to demolish over to rip through the England middle ships with Rahul and Dhoni. England and hand India a 75-run series- and lower order-five batsmen were out Rahul was bowled by Ben Stokes but SCOREBOARD clinching win in the third and final on zero-as India won the series 2-1. the left-handed Raina carried on the pow- Twenty20 international in Bangalore yes- BANGALORE, India: Scoreboard of the 3rd one-day international between India and England at M. Chinnaswamy Chahal, who recieved the man of the er hitting as he recorded his fourth T20 Stadium yesterday: terday. Chahal recorded his T20 best of 6- match and series award for his eight fifty with a six off leg-spinner Adil Rashid. 25 to help skittle out England for 127 in scalps in three games, got great support Dhoni, who smacked five fours and two India England 16.3 overs. The visitors, chasing 203, lost from seamer Jasprit Bumrah’s three sixes in his 36-ball blitz, joined forces with Virat Kohli run out Jordan 2 Jason Roy c Dhoni b Mishra 32 eight wickets for eight runs in the space wickets. Earlier scintillating half-cen- Raina as the duo carted the England Lokesh Rahul b Stokes 22 Sam Billings c Raina b Chahal 0 of 18 deliveries. turies from Suresh Raina and Mahendra bowlers to all parts of the ground. Suresh Raina c Morgan b Plunkett 63 Joe Root lbw b Chahal 42 The 23-year-old Chahal became only Singh Dhoni helped India post a mam- Raina fell in the 14th over while Mahendra Singh Dhoni c Rashid b Jordan 56 Eoin Morgan c Pant b Chahal 40 the second bowler in T20 cricket to get moth 202 for six after being put into Dhoni, who put on 57 runs with veteran Yuvraj Singh c Buttler b Mills 27 Jos Buttler c Kohli b Bumrah 0 six wickets in an innings after Sri Lanka’s bat. India rode on the 55-run third-wick- batsman Yuvraj Singh, stayed on until Rishabh Pant not out 5 Ben Stokes c Raina b Chahal 6 Ajantha Mendis achieved the feat twice et partnership between Raina (63) and the second delivery of the final over. A Hardik Pandya run out Stokes/Buttler 11 Moeen Ali c Kohli b Chahal 2 with figures of 6-8 and 6-16. Dhoni (56) to thwart the England bowl- vintage Yuvraj turned on the heat with Extras: (4b, 3lb, 8w) 16 Liam Plunkett b Bumrah 0 The attacking spinner started TOTAL: (for six wickets) 202 Chris Jordan st Dhoni b Chahal 0 England’s batting rot in the 14th over of ing attack after an early wicket fall. his 10-ball 27 as he hit seamer Chris The hosts lost skipper Virat Kohli for Jordan for two fours and two sixes to Overs: 20. Adil Rashid not out 0 the innings, getting dangermen Joe Root Did not bat: Amit Mishra, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Tymal Mills c Kohli b Bumrah 0 (42) and skipper Eoin Morgan (40) on two after a terrible mix up with Lokesh give India 24 runs in the 18th over. Rahul (22) saw the star batsman being India, who won the Test (4-0) and Yuzvendra Chahal. Extras: (2lb, 3w) 5 consecutive deliveries to derail the Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-65, 3-120, 4-177, 5-191, 6-202. Total: (all out) 127 tourists’ chase. Root and Morgan had run out. Kohli was furious with Rahul for ODI (2-1) series against England, now not responding to his call for a single. head into the one-off Test against Bowling: Tymal Mills 4-0-32-1 (4w), Chris Jordan 4-0-56-1 Overs: 16.3. kept the chase alive with their 64-run (2w), Liam Plunkett 2-0-22-1, Ben Stokes 4-0-32-1 (2w), Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-55, 3-119, 4-119, 5-119, 6-123, 7- third-wicket stand but the innings fell Raina counter-attacked with two Bangladesh starting next week in Moeen Ali 4-0-30-0, Adil Rashid 2-0-23-0. 127, 8-127, 9-127, 10-127. apart after their departure. boundaries and five sixes during his 45- Hyderabad. — AFP Hot Wizards stretch home win streak to 15 games WASHINGTON: Bradley Beal scored 28 had 24 points and 10 rebounds while John field and led by as many as 21 points. the Rockets appeared refreshed in their points and the surging Washington Wall had 15 points and 13 assists for the return from a five-game road trip. James Wizards defeated the New York Knicks Wizards, who won their last five games RAPTORS 108, PELICANS 106 (OT) Harden added 10 points, seven rebounds 117-101 on Tuesday for their NBA-best and 12 of 14 — two against the Knicks. Kyle Lowry made a step-back jumper and eight assists. 15th straight home victory. Markieff Morris Washington shot 55.7 percent from the with 4.3 seconds left inovertime to lift Toronto. Lowry finished with 33 points TRAIL BLAZERS 115, HORNETS 98 and 10 assists as the Raptors won for Damian Lillard scored 27 points as NBA results/standings only the second time in their past eight Portland blew away Charlotte. Allen games. Crabbe added 21 points off the bench LA Lakers 120, Denver 116; Portland 115, Charlotte 98; San Antonio 108, Oklahoma City 94; Houston and C.J. McCollum contributed 18 as the 105, Sacramento 83; Washington 117, NY Knicks 101; Toronto 108, New Orleans 106 (OT). SPURS 108, THUNDER 94 Trail Blazers won for the fourth time in Eastern Conference Western Conference Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points and five outings. Portland won the battle in Atlantic Division Northwest Division grabbed eight rebounds as San Antonio rebounds 51-42 and points in the paint W L PCT GB Utah 30 19 .612 - shrugged off a ragged stretch of the 44-22, and held the Hornets to 39.8 per- Boston 30 18 .625 - Oklahoma City 28 21 .571 2 third quarter to defeat Oklahoma City. cent shooting. The Trail Blazers had only Toronto 30 19 .612 0.5 Denver 21 26 .447 8 Leonard, who scored 30 or more points eight turnovers, one more than its sea- NY Knicks 21 29 .420 10 Portland 22 28 .440 8.5 for the 15th time this season, outplayed son low. Philadelphia 18 29 .383 11.5 Minnesota 19 29 .396 10.5 Brooklyn 9 39 .188 21 the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, but the Pacific Division Central Division Spurs’ bench was the difference, racking LAKERS 120, NUGGETS 116 Cleveland 32 15 .681 - Golden State 41 7 .854 - up 32 points to 22 for Oklahoma City’s D’Angelo Russell returned to score 22 Indiana 25 22 .532 7 LA Clippers 30 18 .625 11 reserves. LaMarcus Aldridge added 23 points and hand out a career-high 10 Chicago 24 25 .490 9 Sacramento 19 30 .388 22.5 points and was the only other San assists, and Los Angeles captured a win Milwaukee 21 26 .447 11 LA Lakers 17 34 .333 25.5 Antonio player in double-figure scoring. over Denver. Nick Young had 23 points Detroit 21 27 .438 11.5 Phoenix 15 33 .313 26 and Lou Williams added 21 points and Southeast Division Southwest Division ROCKETS 105, KINGS 83 seven assists for the Lakers, who snapped Washington 28 20 .583 - San Antonio 37 11 .771 - Ryan Anderson recorded his second a seven-game skid to the Nuggets at Atlanta 28 20 .583 - Houston 36 16 .692 3 double-double of the season and Staples. Russell missed the previous three Charlotte 23 26 .469 5.5 Memphis 29 21 .580 9 Houston opened a four-game homes- games with a mild MCL sprain in his right WASHINGTON: John Wall #2 of the Washington Miami 19 30 .388 9.5 New Orleans 19 30 .388 18.5 tand with a victory over road-weary knee and a strained right calf. Los Wizards shoots in front of Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New Orlando 19 31 .380 10 Dallas 18 30 .375 19 Sacramento. Anderson finished with a Angeles rookie Ivica Zubac scored a York Knicks during the second half at Verizon Center team-high 25 points plus 11 rebounds as career-high 17 points. — Reuters on Tuesday in Washington. — AFP Deloitte licensed to provide FATCA compliance services in Kuwait Page 22 Business Kuwait outperforms global markets to kick off 2017 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Page 23 flydubai reports $8.6 million A wall of uncertainty to remain high profit for 2016 Page 25 Page 26

BRAWLEY: Mexican Farm workers harvest celery in a field of Brawley, California, in the Imperial Valley, on Tuesday. Many of thefarm workers expressed fears that they would not be able to continue working in the United States under the President Trump’s administration. — AFP Tijari declares net profit of KD 50.4m for 2016 Commercial Bank board recommends 15% cash dividend, 10% bonus shares

KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait announced at 108.7 percent comfortably exceeding the min- to continue its prudent and conservative policy a rich record of social responsibility activities a net profit of KD 50.4 million a growth of 9.1 per- imum requirement set by the Central Bank of of building the required provisions during 2017 and this was proven in its continued contribu- cent compared to last year with earnings per Kuwait. The Bank continues to demonstrate its and beyond, in order to meet the challenges of tions to identify the needs of the community share of 33.8 fils compared to 30.9 fils for the year cost leadership with operational efficiency, a volatile economic and geopolitical situation in with its diverse segments and to satisfy such 2015. The Board of Directors recommended to competitive advantage for the Bank which con- the region. needs effectively by sponsoring several social the General Assembly cash dividend distribution tinues to maintain one of the lowest cost/income activities and initiatives. of 15 fils per share and a bonus issue of 10 shares ratios among Kuwait banks at 27.9 percent for Strategic objectives These efforts were recognized with the bank for each hundred shares, compared to 13 percent the year ended 31 December 2016. Mahfouz further commented that the bank’s receiving a certificate of recognition for the pio- cash dividend and 6 percent bonus issue last year. Mahfouz hailed the tremendous efforts exert- strategic objectives to diversify its income neering CSR projects at the level of GCC coun- Commenting on the bank’s financial results, ed by the Bank’s different departments and staff sources and mitigation of risks, particularly tries, where the Bank was honored at the sideline Elham Mahfouz, the Banks’ Chief Executive members for enhancing the credit & investment those related to geographical and sector con- of the 33rd session of the Council of Ministers of Officer said Commercial Bank’s total assets portfolio quality which was reflected in the gains centration are being pursued in letters and spir- Labor & Council of Social Affairs of Gulf reached KD 4,125.3 million at the end of generated from these portfolios with the Bank it, indicating that the Bank’s strategy and focus Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States which December 2016 compared with KD 4,037.4 mil- building strong bond portfolio and extending on available growth opportunities will be instru- was recently held in Riyadh. lion for the year 2015 and operating income credit lines for projects of national importance. mental to analyze with a fine tooth comb the Mahfouz concluded her statement by extend- increased to KD 101.2 million compared with KD Apart from this, the Bank’s strong financial indi- market conditions and emphasize on core busi- ing her appreciation and thanks to the Bank’s 99.2 million for 2015. Mahfouz added that the cators are due to its prudent policy to use a por- ness activities with efficient management of shareholders for their support to the Bank, val- bank witnessed a growth in the fee income by tion of the operating profits to build the provi- risks and associated returns. She also pointed ued customers for choosing Commercial Bank of 9.3 percent, foreign exchange income by 39.3 sions and aggressive policy on write offs adopt- out that this strategy bore its fruit during 2016 Kuwait as a source of their banking services, staff percent and in dividend income by 26.4 percent. ed during 2011-2016 to clean the loan portfolio. and it is forecast to continue yielding benefits members for their loyalty and dedication at work Mahfouz explained that the above indicators Mahfouz went on saying that the NPL ratio for the Bank in the future. and the regulatory authorities represented in the were underpinned by establishing a solid provi- Elham Mahfouz dropped from 0.90 percent to 0.50 percent, it is On the other hand, Mahfouz pointed to the Central Bank of Kuwait and Kuwait Capital sions base against the credit portfolio where healthy financial indicators where the Banks’ cap- much lower than the industry average emphasiz- ratings the bank has obtained from the interna- Markets for their sincere efforts in safeguarding such provisions amounted to KD 141.2 million as ital adequacy ratio at the end of December 2016 ing the Bank’s continuous efforts to recover the tional rating agencies such as Moody’s, Standard the banking sector and financial units, emphasiz- at the end of the 31st December 2016 and the stood at 17.94 percent, the leverage ratio stood previously written off loans where the Bank man- & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings noting that the bank’s ing that the bank’s management spares no provision coverage ratio was 1175.8 percent at 11.24 percent, liquidity coverage ratio stood at aged to recover KD 106 million during last four good performance was recognized by these rat- efforts for maintaining and safeguarding the against NPLs. Mahfouz also referred to the other 142 percent and Net Stable Funding Ratio stood years. She, further, added that the Bank intends ing agencies. She further said that the bank has interests of the Bank and its stakeholders. India boosts spending and cuts taxes as cash ban bites

NEW DELHI: India’s finance minister pledged rency ban. He said the rate cut was intended et-to reduce the pain of demonetization.” to raise spending on the rural poor and halved to reward those already paying income tax, Jaitley relaxed India’s fiscal deficit target to 3.2 the basic rate of income tax in his annual and encourage more to do so. The basic tax percent for the financial year 2017/18, citing budget yesterday, seeking to ease the pain of rate applies to those with annual incomes of the increase in government spending, but said a shock move to ban high-value banknotes. between 250,000 rupees ($3,700) and 500,000 it would be back on track for a three-percent Arun Jaitley defended so-called demonetiza- rupees. “We are largely a tax non-compliant deficit the following financial year. He tion, saying it would increase revenues by forc- society. When too many evade tax, the burden announced plans to spend a record 3.96 tril- ing people to declare untaxed wealth, but falls on those who are honest,” Jaitley said. lion rupees on infrastructure including mod- conceded it had hit the economy and prom- ernization of India’s roads, airports and crum- ised relief for the poor and middle classes ‘Historic reform’ bling railways. That includes a trillion-rupee ahead of key polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unantici- plan to improve safety on the railways after a Jaitley pledged to double the income of pated decision removed around 86 percent of slew of deadly accidents. farmers, who have been hard hit by the cur- India’s cash at a stroke, triggering massive Targeting corruption, Jaitley announced a rency ban, in the next five years and bring 10 queues outside banks and a cash shortage ban on cash transactions worth more than million households out of poverty by 2019. He that has hit businesses across the country. 300,000 rupees and said the government was also promised more affordable housing for the Analysts said the budget was in line with considering new legislation to seize the assets poor and halved the basic rate of income tax expectations that the government would tar- of “big time offenders” who flee abroad. Indian to five percent. get communities worst hit by the move, with banks are currently trying to recover more NEW DELHI: Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrives in Parliament House to present “My overall approach while preparing this elections beginning in the key battleground than $1 billion owed by the Formula One the Union Budget in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP budget has been to spend more in rural areas, state of Uttar Pradesh later this month. tycoon Vijay Mallya who left the country for year, but remained an “engine of global house, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party poverty alleviation through fiscal prudence,” “That’s applying a balm to this segment, Britain last year. growth”. Modi’s government swept to power in (BJP) lacks a majority. The upcoming elections Jaitley said in a speech to parliament. The which is broadly the lower middle class and On Tuesday the government lowered its 2014 on a promise to tackle corruption and in five states including India’s most populous, finance minister said tax evasion had become which has been more vulnerable to the cash growth forecast for the 2016-17 fiscal year bring about the economic reforms needed to Uttar Pradesh, offer a chance for the party to India’s “new normal” as he laid out further ban,” said Sunil Sinha, principal economist at ending in March to 7.1 percent, down from 7.6 increase growth and provide jobs for a rapidly win more seats because most members of the measures to increase the number of people India Ratings & Research, referring to the tax percent in the previous year. Jaitley said India expanding young population. Some of its pro- upper house are indirectly elected by state paying their taxes after last November’s cur- cut. “This is what’s been the flavor of the budg- had undergone “historic reform” over the past posed reforms were blocked by the upper legislatures. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 BUSINESS

Deloitte licensed to provide FATCA Saudi cannot escape destiny as swing compliance services in Kuwait producer: Analyst LONDON: Saudi Arabia has been forced to return to the KUWAIT: The Kuwait Ministry of Finance (MOF) issued al and financial risks (e.g. withholding and regulatory The main FATCA services that institutions should be role of swing producer in the oil market, despite the coun- Ministerial Resolution No (68) of 2016 announcing that penalties) of non-compliance. It is therefore advised for emphasizing on at the moment include Entity classifica- try’s insistence for three decades it would never play the Deloitte & Touche, Al-Wazzan & Co in Kuwait has been all financial institutions to become FATCA compliant as tion, implementation support, customized training, poli- role again. Saudi Arabia and its allies in the Gulf certified with the Ministry of Finance for the provision of soon as possible,” said Nauman Ahmed, Deloitte Middle cy and procedures drafting and reviews, reporting, and Cooperation Council (GCC) account for the majority of pro- Foreign Account Tax Compliance services (FATCA). East tax leader. complete FATCA reviews and assurance on the Financial duction cuts made so far under the OPEC and non-OPEC FATCA is a US legislation which aims to combat tax “We understand that the implementation of new and Institution’s compliance with the FATCA requirements. accords reached in November and December. evasion by US persons and certain entities owned by US complex regulations can be a daunting challenge for To guide businesses in Kuwait through this local and By cutting their own output deeply, Saudi Arabia and persons. The intent behind the law is for Foreign many businesses, the first place to start is to understand global tax reform, Deloitte has launched a new report its allies have masked the low level of compliance from the Financial Institutions (‘FFIs’) (ie non-US FIs) to identify the level of impact that FATCA will have on your busi- “Doing business guide - understanding Kuwait’s tax posi- rest of the organization. Outside OPEC, Russia has so far and report any US persons that hold assets abroad to ness. The key to any successful regulation implementa- tion” available on the following link: http://bit.ly/2iZj9Et. delivered only around a third of its promised cut of the Internal Revenue Service (‘IRS’). tion program includes developing a strong governance “The guide addresses the key tax considerations for 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to sources. “FATCA is the new reality and going forward non- framework that can identify the areas of the business doing business in Kuwait, alongside key legal, economic Russia and other producers have always pledged to compliance could result in penalties and the risk of that need changes and remediation and developing and market drivers which impact clients who are looking phase in cuts, which are meant to be averaged over the severe reputational damage. A large majority of FFIs in appropriate policies and procedures that allow for the to invest in the country, or those who have been present first six months of 2017. Strictly speaking, OPEC and non- Kuwait are already adhering to the FATCA requirements transition of new compliance requirements into the there for some time, but are looking to undertake a OPEC members have not yet failed to honor their promis- by complying with the local Intergovernmental business as usual,” Alex Law, Managing Director of review of their tax exposures,” said Ihab Abbas, Partner, es since they could reduce output more steeply in the Agreement due to the potential commercial, reputation- Deloitte’s International tax Services. Tax, Deloitte & Touche, Al-Wazzan & Co. Kuwait. remainder of the compliance period. But Saudi Arabia and its GCC allies have once again supplied most of the upfront cutbacks, reducing their production by enough to create a deficit in the market and draw down excess crude inventories. Lufthansa chief rejects Adjusting production to bring about a desired balance between supply and demand, or achieve a particular tar- get price, is the classic role of a swing producer. Saudi Arabia has been forced back into the role, despite insisting since the mid-1980s it would never assume the burden ‘subsidies’ for airlines again. Saudi Arabia only officially played the role of swing pro- ducer for a short period in the early 1980s, when it failed to stem the oversupply of global oil markets and slide in Spohr signs cooperation deal with Etihad prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries began setting an overall production target and ABU DHABI: The Lufthansa chief yesterday missed speculation that Etihad would buy a allocating it among members at its ministerial conference reiterated the German carrier’s opposition share in Lufthansa, said the airline industry in March 1982. to state subsidies for airlines, as he signed needed “rationalisation” with a “healthy The initial target for the group as a whole was set at a cooperation deal with Abu Dhabi’s relationship between offer and demand”. 17.5 million bpd and Saudi Arabia’s share was set at 7.150 Etihad, one of the main Gulf carriers The German carrier agreed in December million bpd. One year later, in March 1983, OPEC revised accused of receiving government support. to lease 38 aircraft from struggling Air the allocation system and Saudi Arabia formally assumed “It is not a secret that Lufthansa has always Berlin, in which Etihad has a 29-percent the role of swing producer, varying its output to balance been and remains an opponent of state stake. Under the outgoing Hogan, Etihad supply and demand. subsidies,” Carsten Spohr said at a joint pursued an ambitious expansion policy Ministers agreed “to establish a ceiling for total OPEC press conference in Abu Dhabi with Etihad through equity partnerships in other air- production of 17.5 million barrels per day, within which chief James Hogan. lines. It saw Etihad spend hundreds of mil- individual member countries were allocated,” according to He said a partnership should be based lions on stakes in foreign airlines, including the communique issued afterwards. “No quota is allocated on “openness and fairness”, while adding acquisitions of 49 percent of Alitalia, 19.9 to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which will act as a swing that two successful groups could have their percent of Virgin Australia and three per- producer to supply the balancing quantities to meet mar- differences and still become “successful cent of Irish carrier Aer Lingus that it ket requirements” (“Communique by OPEC”, New York partners”. offloaded in 2015. Some of the investments Times, March 1983). The two carriers said yesterday that a have been costly, however, with Etihad hav- Saudi Arabia had often acted as an informal swing pro- codeshare agreement had taken effect, and ing had to keep Air Berlin alive with regular ducer, but this was the first time the role had been formal- they also sealed a $100-million global cash injections. ized. Saudi Arabia’s role as a swing producer formally ter- catering accord and signed an engineering Etihad, which announced last month minated in 1984 when it opted instead for a quota of 4.35 memorandum of understanding. Western that Hogan would step down in the second million bpd, though in practice it went on performing the legacy carriers have long accused the three half of 2017 after more than a decade at swing producer role until September 1985. fast-growing Gulf carriers, Etihad and the helm, has said the Abu Dhabi-based “I have a strong feeling that this will work out and that Dubai’s Emirates and Qatar Airways, of carrier will review its strategy. ABU DHABI: Carsten Spohr (l), Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa, and OPEC will be in the driver’s seat,” Saudi oil minister Zaki receiving state subsidies that give them an Yesterday, Hogan defended his poli- Yamani told a news conference after the March 1983 edge over competitors. James Hogan, President and CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, speak during a cies, saying Etihad and its shareholders meeting. Spohr told reporters he would like to press conference on boosting cooperation yesterday in Abu Dhabi. —AFP continued to support an expansion strat- But the following three years proved difficult for Saudi see the rules of the World Trade egy that the carrier would “fine-tune”. Arabia as other OPEC members cheated on their quotas, Organisation applied in aviation, “as we see relationships between governments and wave of protectionism around the world”, “Partnerships are at the heart of our strat- rival suppliers outside OPEC continued to raise their out- that for other global industries”. However, airlines appeared likely to grow as “we see a he said. Spohr, who has in the past dis- egy,” he said. —AFP put, and oil prices fell. Saudi Arabia cut its output to bal- ance the market and shore up prices to no avail, and then switched to a netback pricing system to recapture lost China Jan factory activity market share, sending prices tumbling to $10 per barrel. NEVER AGAIN expands for 6th month Yamani was sacked in October 1986 and replaced as Saudi oil minister by Hisham Nazer, who ruled out any BEIJING: China’s manufacturing sector demand have boosted profits for industrial return to acting as a swing producer (“Nazer rules out grew slightly faster than expected in firms, and helped revive inflation expecta- swing producer role for Saudi Arabia”, Middle East January as the world’s second-largest econ- tions worldwide. However, some analysts Economic Survey, Sep 1987). “We will conscientiously sup- omy continued to benefit from record bank question whether the growth will be sus- port OPEC ... but we will not appoint ourselves custodians lending and a construction boom. The tainable once the impact of earlier stimulus of the policies of OPEC, nor will we be willing to play the improvement in the industrial sector could measures begins to wear off and as the role of swing producer at all”, Nazer said in an interview in give the government more room to tackle property market starts to cool, which is September 1987. high debt levels in many parts of the econ- widely expected. Nazer’s successor as oil minister, Ali Naimi, was even omy this year, though analysts are not sure China’s economy expanded at a steady blunter: “Saudi Arabia tried in the past to play the role of if current growth levels can be sustained. 6.7 percent clip in 2016, fueled by stronger the swing producer by reducing production to maintain a The official Purchasing Managers’ Index government spending, record bank lend- specific price, but the result was unfavorable to the king- (PMI) stood at 51.3 in January, slowing mar- ing and a red-hot property market. dom,” he said in an interview in March 1998. ginally from 51.4 in December, but above But hitting the government’s growth “Despite the fact that its production fell from more the 50-point mark that separates growth target came at a high price, adding to than 10 million bpd in 1980 to less than 3 million bpd in from contraction on a monthly basis. explosive growth in debt. If the economy 1985, prices collapsed. As a result, the kingdom not only January’s reading was slightly above the remains on better footing, China’s leaders lost in terms of prices but also lost its market share at that prediction of a Reuters poll for 51.2, and are expected to turn their attention to con- time.” “We have abandoned once and for all the role of marked the sixth straight month of expan- taining financial risks this year, accepting a swing producer,” Naimi said (“Saudi oil minister spells out sion as China’s industrial sector continues slightly lower growth target of around 6.5 kingdom’s views on current oil market”, Middle East to improve. Production remained robust, percent. Economic Survey, March 1998). although its reading dipped to 53.1 from A separate reading on the services sec- 53.3 in December. tor showed the pace of growth picked up NO ESCAPE Overall new order growth also eased, in January from the previous month. The In practice, giving up the role of swing producer has while export orders grew at only a margin- official non-manufacturing PMI stood at proved impossible, however much the country’s policy- ally better pace. 54.6 in January, up from 54.5 in December, makers loathe it. In March 1999, Saudi Arabia was again China’s manufacturing sector has been and well above the 50-point mark. taking the lead in cutting production to shore up prices buoyed by a government infrastructure The services sector accounted for over after the Asian financial crisis. building spree and a housing boom, which half of China’s economy last year and for Saudi Arabia and its GCC allies ended up providing have fueled demand for building materials the majority of growth, as rising wages give MUMBAI: Indian commuters travel on a crowded local train in Mumbai yes- most of the production cuts that helped drain excess from cement to steel. Chinese consumers the opportunity travel terday. India is to halve the basic rate of income tax to five percent, Finance stocks and push prices higher in 1999 and 2000. —Reuters Rising commodity prices and stronger and eat out more. —Reuters Minister Arun Jaitley announced yesterday in his annual budget. —AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Canadian dollar 234.410 Nepalese Rupees 3.815 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037310 0.040060 Turkish lira 81.260 Malaysian Ringgit 69.805 Indian Rupee 0.002703 0.004926 Swiss Franc 310.050 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.805 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 ASIAN COUNTRIES Australian Dollar 232.680 Japanese Yen 0.002627 0.002807 Japanese Yen 2.700 Thai Bhat 9.675 US Dollar Buying 304.350 Turkish Lira 81.135 Kenyan Shilling 0.002995 0.002995 Indian Rupees 4.518 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 Pakistani Rupees 2.914 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.065442 0.071442 Srilankan Rupees 2.034 20 Gram 246.88 Bahrain Exchange Company Nepalese Rupee 0.003080 0.003250 Nepali Rupees 2.827 10 Gram 126.36 Pakistan Rupee 0.002712 0.003002 Singapore Dollar 217.010 5 Gram 64.02 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.006080 0.006380 Hongkong Dollar 39.383 Sierra Leone 0.000068 0.000074 Bangladesh Taka 3.832 Europe British Pound 0.377440 0.387440 Singapore Dollar 0.211482 0.221482 Philippine Peso 6.136 South African Rand 0.016784 0.025284 Thai Baht 8.711 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Czech Korune 0.040299 0.016201 Danish Krone 0.039906 0.045299 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001678 0.002258 Euro 0. 323994 0.332994 Taiwan 0.009655 0.009835 GCC COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Thai Baht 0.008349 0.008899 Saudi Riyal 81.534 Norwegian Krone 0.033.13 0.038213 US Dollar 305.200 Romanian Leu 0.084681 0.084681 Qatari Riyal 83.977 Canadian Dolla 233.960 Arab ani Riyal 794.049 Slovakia 0.009153 0.019153 Sterling Pound 385.290 Swedish Krona 0.030886 0.035886 Bahraini Dinar 0.803906 0.812406 Bahraini Dinar 811.880 Euro 330.910 Egyptian Pound 0.010118 0.019371 UAE Dirham 83.245 Swiss Franc 0.301557 0.312557 Swiss Frank 303.935 Turkish Lira 0.075493 0.085793 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Bahrain Dinar 809.060 Iraqi Dinar 0.000186 0.000246 ARAB COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 83.485 Australasia Jordanian Dinar 0.425296 0.434296 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.650 Qatari Riyals 84.705 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.218 Australian Dollar 0.222771 0.234771 Saudi Riyals 82.315 New Zealand Dollar 0.215687 0.225187 Lebanese Pound 0.000148 0.000248 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.227 Jordanian Dinar 431.630 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020089 0.044089 Tunisian Dinar 134.010 Egyptian Pound 16.349 America Nigerian Naira 0.001266 0.001901 Jordanian Dinar 430.560 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.032 Omani Riyal 0.787215 0.792895 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.037 Canadian Dollar 0.228003 0.237003 Indian Rupees 4.514 Georgina Lari 0.138004 0.138004 Qatar Riyal 0.083116 0.084566 Syrian Lira 2.179 Pakistani Rupees 2.910 Saudi Riyal 0.080393 0.081693 Morocco Dirham 31.020 US Dollars 0.301450 0.305850 Bangladesh Taka 3.855 US Dollars Mint 0.301950 0.305850 Syrian Pound 0.001296 0.001516 Philippines Pesso 6.130 Tunisian Dinar 0.130188 0.138188 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 167.605 Turkish Lira 0.075493 0.085793 US Dollar Transfer 305.550 Asia Japanese Yen 3.695 Bangladesh Taka 0.003646 0.004230 UAE Dirhams 0.081765 0.083465 Euro 331.220 Syrian Pound 2.425 Yemeni Riyal 0.000993 0.001073 Sterling Pound 385.600 Chinese Yuan 0.042939 0.046439 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 BUSINESS Kuwait outperforms global markets to kick off 2017

KAMCO GCC Markets Monthly Report

KUWAIT: GCC markets continued the index recorded the highest monthly return implement the new settlement cycle by closed the month down, marginally by gained during Jan-17 included Qatar uptrend seen over the previous two of 31.1 percent, followed by Financial June-17, the month when MSCI decides on under 1 percent m-o-m. International Islamic Bank and Masraf Al months with almost all markets closing Services and Basic Materials indices with whether to review Saudi Arabia for inclu- In prominent earnings releases that Rayan which moved up by 7.8 percent and January-17 with positive returns. This was monthly returns of 23.7 percent and 21.3 sion in the its emerging markets index that commenced for full year 2016 and Q4-16 6.5 percent respectively. United develop- also reflected in the overall MSCI GCC percent, respectively. Among the large-cap would be followed by a review by FTSE in numbers, National Bank of Abu Dhabi ment and Barwa led the real estate pack index that closed the month with a gain of sectors, the Banking index surged 11.5 per- September-17. (NBAD), which is set to merge with FGB, gaining by 9.2 percent and 4.8 percent m-o- 1.94 percent. The exceptions included cent during the month while the Telecom Monthly market performance reflected reported a 28 percent y-o-y increase in Q4- m respectively. Ooredoo pushed the 2016’s best performer, Saudi Arabia, that index went up by 13.3 percent. Trading the earnings results for FY-16 with the 16 net profits driven, by lower expenses Telecoms index higher and gained by 3.1 declined by 1.5 percent on the back of activity during the month was the highest Insurance sector leading the monthly sec- and impairment charges, beating consen- percent m-o-m, even as S&P affirmed softer full year earnings along with a mar- since May-13 with both volume and value toral gains after reporting a 165.6 percent sus expectations. NBAD made a profit of Ooredoo’s long term corporate credit rat- ginal decline of 0.1 percent for Oman. The traded at almost four times the level jump in FY-16 earnings. A majority of the AED 1.33 billion in the Q4-16 compared to ings at ‘A-’ and changed its outlook from decline in Saudi Arabia can also be attrib- achieved during December-16. Zain (+20.7 large-cap sectors witnessed declines dur- AED 1.03 billion in Q4-15. For full year Stable to Positive. S&P’s change in outlook is uted to oil prices that remained range percent) was the most actively traded ing the month with the Banking index 2016, NBAD reported net profits of AED largely driven by expectations that Ooredoo bound during the month after a positive stock during the month with a total value down by 1.2 percent, Telecom by 6.6 per- 5.296 billion, up 1.2 percent y-o-y, while will require lower capital expenditure, start to the year. of KD 82.8 million followed by KFH (+14.8 cent and Energy index down by 8.4 per- operating profit grew by 5 percent y-o-y as resulting in higher free operating cash flow Kuwait recorded the best monthly per- percent) and NBK (+12.3 percent) with KD cent. The monthly gainers chart was domi- non-interest income grew while expenses in 2017 and 2018. formance amongst major global equity 67 million and KD 51.3 million worth of markets during January-17 with a gain of shares traded in these stocks, respectively. Bahrain Bourse 18.9 percent as a result of multiple positive A change in the MSCI Frontier Market After ending 2016 on a flattish note, The factors that included a change in the MSCI index during the month was one of the key Bahrain All Share index kicked off 2017 as Frontier Market index constituents that factors that led to the strong buying activi- the second best performing market in the benefited Kuwait further supported by ty on Boursa Kuwait. The index compiler GCC. The Bahrain All Share Index closed 6.8 reportedly higher buying by institutional announced that Pakistan with a weight of percent higher on a m-o-m basis for the investors. In addition, full year earnings 10.2 percent would be upgraded to month of Jan-17. The index closed at have so far remained positive which pro- emerging market status later this year. 1303.70 points at the end of the month. vided a boost to investor confidence with This would benefit Kuwait by mostly Sectoral performance was mixed for the banks recording healthy year-on-year increasing its weight in the MSCI Frontier month, and included both gainers and growth in their bottom-line. Kuwait also Market Index, which currently stands at decliners. Market breadth for the index was announced its new economic development 18.03 percent, highest in the group. broadly even, as 12 stocks gained ground, plan called “New Kuwait” that runs until Moreover, a number of initiatives are being while 14 stocks witnessed declines in their 2035 and is aimed at transforming Kuwait undertaken by Boursa Kuwait to reduce share prices. Commercial Banks was the into a regional business and cultural hub. transaction costs and bringing efficiencies main sector which drove the index up as the On the economic front, the surge in oil and standardization, much similar to sector was up 11.6 percent for the month. price over the past few months has provid- efforts seen in Saudi Arabia and UAE. The Investment sector went up as well by ed additional confidence for GCC govern- On the economic front, the country 8.7 percent, mostly due to a significant jump ments as spending is expected to increase launched a new economic development in the stock price of Ithmar Bank. Industrials after being curtailed and optimized over plan, called “New Kuwait”, which runs till were the main laggards for the index as it the past two years. According to the recent 2035 and envisions to transform the econ- nated by insurance stocks with 3 out of the were tightly managed. Abu Dhabi went down by 13.7 percent for the month of budget announcements, Saudi Arabia, UAE omy into a business and cultural hub. The top 5 gainers belonging to this sector. Commercial Bank (ADCB) reported a full Jan-17. In earnings related releases, National and Qatar have signaled higher spending key pillars of the ambitious plan includes Arabian Shield Co-op Insurance topped year 2016 net profit of AED 4.157 billion, Bank of Bahrain (NBB) reported a net profit of during 2017 in order to achieve near term diversification of the economy towards the chart with a gain of 64.7 percent down 16 percent from AED 4.927. BHD 58.24 million in 2016, an increase of 5.4 diversification targets. Moreover, these non-oil sectors by investing in mega proj- backed by the insurer’s 147 percent jump percent y-o-y as compared to BHD 55.26 mil- budgets are based on an oil price of less ects with the help of private investments in FY-16 net income. On the decliners side, Dubai Financial Market lion in 2015. For Q4-16, NBB recorded a net than $ 50/b, which we believe lends addi- and development of education and trans- Tihama Advertising topped the chart with The DFM index which was the best per- profit of BHD 12.03 million, compared to tional buffers as oil continued to trade portation sectors to boost tourism. The ini- a decline of 22.3 percent followed by forming index in 2016, continued on its BHD 11.90 million in Q4-15. EPS for full year above this level during January-17. tial strategy includes a five year develop- Nama Chemicals with a drop of 18.5 per- upward trajectory in 2017. DFM closed the 2016 improved from 48.5 fils in 2015 to 50.9 ment plan with a earmarked spending of cent led by higher reported losses. Alinma month marginally up by 3.2 percent at fils in 2016. In Telecoms, Zain Bahrain report- GCC equity markets monthly $100 billion out of which $ 15 billion is Bank continued to be the one of the most 3642.85 points. Sectoral trends were broad- ed revenues of BHD 64.6 million in 2016, a 9 Kuwaiti equity markets recorded the planned be spent between 2017-2018. actively traded stocks in terms of value ly positive, as more indices gained ground percent increase from BHD 71.1 million from world’s best monthly performance during traded that stood at SAR 8.3 billion fol- as compared to declining for the month. For the previous year. January-17 on the back of a number of Tadawul lowed by SABIC at SAR 7.8 billion. the current month, Services names rose sig- positive factors. The Price index surged Saudi’s equity market took a breather nificantly by 8.6 percent, driven by a surge Muscat Securities Market 18.9 percent during the month, recording during Junuary-17 after a rally that lasted Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in the price of Amanat Holdings, which After two consecutive months of mar- the highest monthly gain in 14 years. The for almost two months. The benchmark After ending 2016 up by 5.5 percent, the went up by over 17.3 percent. Insurance ginal uptrend, the MSM 30 index ended flat index reached a monthly peak of 6,943.24 TASI receded 1.5 percent during the month ADX index closed almost flat m-o-m in Jan- index followed and gained by over 8.5 per- during January-17 after gains in Financial points towards the end of the month, the to close at 7,101.9 points after plunging 17. The index closed at 4548.82 points, as cent for the month, while Transportation and Industrial indices were completely off- highest close in 26-months. Similarly, the below the 7,000 mark during the third sectoral indices included both gainers and index gained by 6.8 percent for the month set by declines in the Services index. The monthly return of 12.44 percent for the week on the back of poor earnings for decliners for the month. The Financials of Jan-17. The financials indices comprising Financial Index surged 3.6 percent, the Weighted index was the highest since some of the key stocks in the market. pack did well in the first month of the year of Banks, Financial and Investment Service highest gain in terms of relative sector per- February-10. The index reached the high- However, the index made a strong recov- and was led by the Investment & Financial and Insurance also closed the first month of formance, on the back of double digit est level in 21 months and closed January- ery during the last week after higher clarity Services index, which rose by 18 percent, the year with strong gains and outper- returns recorded in insurance stocks. 17 above the 400 points mark for the first emerged on the state of the economy that followed by the Insurance index which formed the DFM index. Indices, which lost Shares of Al Madina Takaful went up by 30 time since August-15. The large-cap is now expected to post a smaller budget surged by 15 percent, while Banks ground during the month, were led by percent during the month, while Oman Kuwait 15 Index recorded a monthly gain deficit led by higher oil prices coupled with improved by 1.1 percent. Waha Capital was Consumer Staples, which went down by 7.4 United Insurance shares recorded gains of of 11.34 percent, the highest monthly reduction in austerity measures as well as solely responsible in pushing up the percent m-o-m, followed by Telecoms, 14.9 percent. Among the large cap stocks, return since the inception of the index, and implementation of VAT starting from 2018. Investment & Financial Services index, which recede by 3.2 percent m-o-m. National Bank of Oman was the only stock closed the month at 985.4 points. The The month also saw the adoption of GICS while a strong performance in Al Wathba in the sector to record a gain of 1.3 percent. index surged past the psychologically standards for sector classification on the Insurance drove the insurance index. NBAD Qatar Exchange On the other hand, shares of Bank Muscat, important 1,000 points on 29-Jan-17 to exchange to more closely reflect the busi- and ADCB were the big banking stocks The QE 20 index started the year in posi- the biggest stock in the market and in the reach 1,006.17 points, the highest level in ness activities of listed companies. We also which rose in the first month of 2017 as tive territory, as the index moved up by 1.5 sector, declined by 2.1 percent despite 17 months. see this move as a step closer towards the against Dec-16, as their share prices rose by percent m-o-m, and closed at 10597.22 report higher earnings for Q4-16 and for Sector performance also reflected the bid to win the emerging markets status 4.1 percent and 3.5 percent respectively, points. The Qatar All Share index also the full year. The earnings season was sig- positive investor sentiments in the market this year that would lead to flow of addi- while FGB improved by 0.8 percent m-o-m. improved by 1.4 percent for the first month nificantly positive as compared to the pre- with all the indices closing the month with tional passive funds in the market. Another In terms of laggards, Telecoms receded the of 2017, while sectoral trends were mixed. vious year with total profits for listed stocks positive monthly returns, with the only move seen in this direction was the pub- most and lost ground by 4.8 percent for the Heavyweight indices such as Banks & up by 19.2 percent to OMR 785.8 million as exception of the Health Care index that lishing of draft rules for the introduction of month of Jan-17, followed by the Energy Financial Services, Real Estate, and Telecoms compared to OMR 659.1 million during the declined by 5.9 percent. The Technology a T+2 settlement cycle. The CMA aims to index and the Services index, as each index closed in the green. Banks which previous year. World economy enters 2017 with winds fore and aft Momentum and risks ahead from US protectionism, Brexit

LONDON/SINGAPORE: Factories across the world survey for the United States due later is expected lot of capital expenditure expansion projects that fired up - or at least kept up activity - in January to show factories in the world’s largest economy will be put on hold as long as the uncertainty sur- with some registering multi-year output highs, just also increased activity. rounding the trade environment persists.” as a barrage of political risks threatens the global In China, the world’s second-biggest economy, economy with potential harm. Tokyo Tempering Trump growth was led by an investment and construction Rising protectionism from the United States, A stronger dollar helped major economies such boom that has helped spur global growth. Its offi- concerns over how Britain’s negotiations on leav- as Japan, where export orders surged, cial PMI stood at 51.3 in January, slowing marginal- ing the European Union will pan out, and national Markit/Nikkei PMI numbers showed, a welcome ly from 51.4 in December. elections in Europe’s largest economies all lie sign for the economy along with recent data sug- Analysts question whether Chinese growth will ahead. But entering 2017, economic growth gath- gesting a more durable recovery may be under- be sustainable once the impact of earlier stimulus ered momentum, according to surveys released on way. However, those encouraging signals sit begins to wear off and if the property market cools. Wednesday, following on from last year thanks to a uncomfortably with the growing threat from They warn a slowdown in the Asian economic pow- COLOMBO: Sri Lankan police stand guard during a protest against the proposed sale bounce in consumption. Trump’s trade policies. Japan is moving to temper erhouse could ripple across the region and beyond. of a stake in a loss-making port to a Chinese company in Colombo yesterday. Euro zone factories registered the fastest the risks with plans to show Trump its firms are “Within China, we expect that real estate will Protesters led by the leftist People’s Liberation Front, are opposing plans to sell an activity rate for nearly six years, China’s activity ready to create US jobs, according to a document slow down, because the government is quite keen 80 percent stake in the $1.4 billion deep sea port of Hambantota to China Merchants expanded for the sixth month and Japanese whose contents were revealed to Reuters. In to contain housing prices,” said Louis Kuijs, head of Port Holdings Company. — AFP manufacturing growth was the fastest in almost export-reliant Asia, and other regions where global Asia economics at Oxford Economics in Hong three years. Even in Britain, where a slump in ster- supply chains are closely interlinked, Trump’s elec- Kong. Other regional economies like Indonesia ling since the June referendum stoked the tion is a particular risk to both world trade and showed positive momentum in manufacturing Women are getting more sharpest rise in factory costs on record last broad economic growth if the new president fol- activity, while Indian factory activity returned to month, growth remained robust. lows though on his “America First” policies. “The modest growth in January, bouncing from a con- seats in the boardroom There were also signs of growth in Brazil, uncertainty surrounding future market access to traction in December triggered by the govern- where industrial output rose in December at its the US is bound to weigh on investment activity as ment’s scrapping of high value banknotes. Even in NEW YORK: The number of women sitting at ing to a separate, global survey of 3,400 com- fastest monthly pace in 2-1/2 years after one of companies await regulatory certainty,” said Frederic laggard South Korea where manufacturing con- the table in corporate boardrooms across the panies by Credit Suisse. While women occu- the worst years on record. “So far momentum is Neumann, co-head of Asian economic research at tracted for the sixth straight month, exports rose at country is rising very slowly, but it’s rising. pied nearly 15 percent of board seats at the pretty strong heading into 2017,” said Jacqui HSBC in Hong Kong. “I suspect there’s going to be a the fastest pace in nearly five years. — Reuters Just over 15 percent of all director seats at end of 2015, only about 4 percent of CEOs are Douglas at TD Securities. “But political risks are publicly traded US companies were held by women. Companies in other countries have definitely one of the biggest this year and given women as of Dec. 31, according gotten closer to gender parity the surprises we had through 2016 it’s really hard Burgan Bank will soon to a study by Equilar, a corporate than the United States, and gov- to tell what’s in store.” research firm. That’s up from 14 ernment pressure has played a Among unexpected events last year was announce winner of percent a year earlier and from big role. Several European coun- Britain’s vote to leave the EU and the election as US 12 percent in 2013. So, the trend tries have set quotas and targets president of Donald Trump, both seen as the result is toward more equal representa- for how many corporate board of anti-establishment anger among voters who feel Al-Thuraya Account draw tion on boards, but parity won’t members should be held by left out of the wealth of nations. Signs of concern KUWAIT: Burgan Bank will soon be announc- win. The Al-Thuraya Account’s features range happen until the end of 2055 women. That’s why women held this may spread could be found on bond markets. ing the lucky winner of its newly re-launched from the option to hold money in Kuwaiti dinar unless the pace picks up, accord- 24 percent of European board The premium investors demand to hold France’s Al-Thuraya Salary Account. The winner will be and any other major currencies, access to ing to Equilar. That’s nearly 40 seats at the end of 2015, the high- government debt rather than that of similar granted a Nissan Patrol SUV. The new draw account-related services such as standing years away, which may be about est rate in the world. Investors are economies shot up on so-called Frexit fears - the rewards new and existing customers who orders, loans and credit cards and much more. when girls born today begin sit- American Water taking note. possibility that the far-right National Front might transfer their salary to Burgan bank a chance to The account has been further developed in ting on corporate boards. Company President Companies with at least one win the presidential election and try to take the win a Nissan Patrol SUV every month. response to offering more benefits and increas- Demonstrating how far and CEO Susan N. Story female director tend to have country out of the euro zone. The new draw is part of Burgan Bank’s ing chances to win. Customers’ wishing to open remains to go toward gender higher stock returns and better IHS Markit’s final manufacturing Purchasing approach of rewarding loyal customers with an Al-Thuraya account can do so by simply vis- parity, 738 companies still have no women on corporate performance than those with all- Managers’ Index for the currency bloc rose to 55.2 higher chances of winning while encouraging iting the nearest Burgan Bank branch and their boards. Last year, nearly 60 companies male boards, Credit Suisse says. Of course, in January from December’s 54.9, its highest since new customers to benefit from the bank’s obtain all the necessary details, or simply call that had no female directors since at least this may be a case of correlation rather than April 2011. A Markit/CIPS UK factory PMI edged unique offerings. With the introduction of this the bank’s call center on 1804080. For further 2011 added one or more women. Even so, it’s causation, and better-performing companies down to 55.9 from December’s 2-1/2 year peak of new monthly draw, every KD 10 available in the information, customers can also visit the bank’s still much easier to find a woman in the may be more welcoming to women rather 56.1, matching the consensus forecast in a Reuters account provides the customer a chance to website on www.burgan.com. boardroom than in the corner office, accord- than vice versa. —AP poll. Anything above 50 indicates growth. A similar THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 BUSINESS Dollar steadies ahead of Fed, stocks rise

LONDON: World stocks made their first gain in 46-country All World index. Markets remained jit- but had offered little boost to exports. Eurozone Nasdaq after Apple reported a strong protectionist policies that have seen him sus- five days yesterday as the dollar steadied from tur- tery however. Trump’s top trade adviser had also factories meanwhile started 2017 by ramping up revival in iPhone sales. pend travel to the United States from seven bulence after the Trump administration accused said on Tuesday that Germany was using a “gross- activity at the fastest rate for nearly six years. Muslim-majority countries. The policy uncer- Germany, Japan and China of devaluing their cur- ly undervalued” euro to exploit its trading part- “Optimism about the year ahead has risen to Fed on hold tainty only added to expectations the US rencies to gain a trade advantage. The US currency ners. The accusations drew rebuttals from the highest since the region’s debt crisis,” Chris Chinese markets were still on holiday but Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady suffered its worst January in three decades after German and Japanese officials, but looked likely Williamson, chief business economist at the surveys from the Asian giant showed manu- when it concludes a two-day meeting later. President Donald Trump complained that every to run for some time. data’s provider IHS Markit, noting that inflation facturing and services activity continued to Tokyo shares closed higher yesterday on “other country lives on devaluation”. “The issue is at what point do investors get con- was also picking up. Overnight in Asia, Japanese expand in January. Exports from tech bell- bargain-hunting after two days of losses Bargain hunters nudged the dollar up 0.15 cerned that the potential negative shock effects investors seemed relieved the yen’s 0.5 percent wether South Korea also grew at the fastest and as a rise in the value of the yen fizzled. percent in Asian and European trading, reassur- from trade, immigration and geopolitics over- rise against the dollar had not been larger. They pace in almost five years, another sign the The Nikkei tumbled on Monday and ing themselves that the Federal Reserve should whelm the positives (of potential U.S. stimulus),” nudged the Nikkei up 0.5 percent and MSCI’s global economy had been on the mend Tuesday with investors around the world signal later that it still plans to raise US interest said Bluebay asset management head of Credit broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside before all the talk of US protectionism dark- spooked by US President Donald Trump’s rates a number of times this year. Healthy results Strategy David Riley. There was little reaction to a Japan up 0.1 percent in a largely quiet session. ened the air. Investors’ hopes for a fiscal boost flurry of executive orders that have fuelled from a slew of Europe’s bluechips also bolstered raft of European data. Sterling barely budged after Spread betters were also tipping a modest early to the world’s largest economy under Trump worries about the outlook for the global the mood, lifting its main bourses 0.8 percent data showed its fall since June’s UK Brexit vote had bounce for Wall Street’s S&P 500 and Dow Jones have been tempered by controversial and economy. —Agencies and snapping a four-day losing streak for MSCI’s stoked the sharpest rise in factory costs on record and a slightly better one for the tech-heavy

TOKYO: Men look at an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm show- ing the currency rate of the US dollar that is traded at 113.01-02 yen in Tokyo yesterday. —AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 BUSINESS A wall of uncertainty to remain high Large sovereign issuance expected from GCC

KUWAIT: We expect global uncertainty gets. However, the repayment of con- to remain high. However, the primary BofAML GEMs Macro monthly report tractor arrears (SAR80bn; $21bn) and drivers are changing. The usual global spending related to surplus projects drivers of EM asset prices, namely devel- Kuwait to be the largest gross and net rates, and real interest rates are likely to ment process. We expect twin deficits to (SAR25bn; $6.7bn) drove the 2016 fiscal oped markets rates, risk aversion and issuers in 2017. Just these four issuers remain supportive of debt dynamics. narrow but remain relatively elevated. deficit wider. commodity prices, are being overshad- could account for 37 percent of the total Liquidity is likely to improve and non-oil owed by political developments. Their sovereign gross issuance. GCC issuance USD/EGP waiting for portfolio inflows sector growth should rebound given a Medium-term reform drive influence on the design of public policies has been increasing rapidly mainly due USD/EGP is cheap versus its history more gradual pace of fiscal tightening. The publication of the “Fiscal Balance will have long-lasting global economic to low oil prices, with some new issuers and could gradually stabilise on the back Main risks: A prolonged period of low Program 2020” highlights that the reform consequences. As long as globalization in 2016, and we expect 2017 issuance to of efforts to attract FX inflows from multi- oil prices, fiscal reform slippage, devalua- program is not derailed, although higher instead of technological changes is seen continue to be high. Among those, we lateral and bilateral sources, as well as tion, political succession and regional oil prices allow for a better pacing of as the main culprit of the rise in income expect Kuwait, with no external sover- from the parallel market. Success is likely geopolitical threats remain the primary measures. The authorities are planning inequality, the de-globalization trend eign debt, to come to market with about to be measured through the return of risks. Growth rebound, higher oil prices, the introduction of means-tested cash driven by an increase in protectionist $10bn to finance a budget deficit result- portfolio inflows, which should provide gradual reforms are key Saudi priorities allowances in 1Q17, with disbursements policies will continue. This trend will nec- ing from low oil prices. the first signal of market confidence. The The budget statement and medium-term from June for a total budget cost this essarily imply lower global trade and The bold liberalization of the FX Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is at program imply three Saudi policy priori- year of SAR25bn or c.1 percent of GDP. lower capital flows, with significant impli- regime by the Central bank of Egypt historical lows, although high inflation is ties: easing near-term austerity, support- This is likely to allow further selective cations for emerging markets. (CBE), accompanied by large hikes to likely to dent competitiveness. ing higher oil prices and introducing non- energy subsidy reform in 2H17 (including Despite our medium-term concerns, administered energy prices, provides a The IMF program should unlock addi- oil revenue reforms. The 2017 budget electricity, gasoline and diesel). price action in EM has improved in recent credible and front-loaded start to the tional bilateral funding and gradually suggests flattish real spending, along Excise taxes on tobacco and sugary weeks on the back of renewed inflows. economic reform program. One key risk help boost domestic confidence and vol- with further repayment of government drinks are likely to be introduced in The USD has weakened across the board to monitor in the near term is social sta- ume in the FX interbank market. While arrears in 1Q17. The authorities appear to 2Q17, and an expat levy will come into since the beginning of the year as US real bility, as inflation is likely to peak around the latter likely remains below pre- be targeting a higher medium-term path force in July 2017. rates peaked in mid-December though 25-30 percent and private consumption Revolution levels, a portion of the FX for both oil prices and nominal spending. The budgetary statement and pro- inflation expectations continued rising in will be curtailed. Increased competitive- backlog has probably been serviced Given that the non-oil revenue fiscal gram suggest that the policy aim is for the US. A combination of stretched short ness should help economic activity already. While the parallel market has reforms appear insufficient to bring the the main tools of the ongoing medium- positioning in US rates and rising uncer- rebound and gradually narrow external returned to some extent, the narrower fiscal deficit towards balance, energy poli- term fiscal adjustment to be a combina- tainty associated with potential develop- imbalances. USD/EGP differential versus the parallel cy is likely to remain focused on support- tion of higher oil prices and higher non- ments in US trade policy are likely behind market could bring some USD supply ing oil market rebalancing and hence oil oil revenues, in line with the planned the stabilization in real rates. The short Fiscal consolidation back to official channels. A functioning prices. We see the budget being consis- National Transformation Plan (NTP) fiscal squeeze in CNH and the PBoC decision to The fiscal reforms introduced so far FX interbank market rate that ensures tent with oil prices of $55/bbl ($65/bbl reforms. Oil price recovery is paramount tighten liquidity to discourage specula- likely aim to generate annual savings of smooth entry and exit, and generates target, $40/bbl floor) and a fiscal to narrow fiscal imbalances as we esti- tive positions certainly helped stabilize up to 2.5ppt of GDP in the first year of enough FX liquidity to service imports breakeven of $98/bbl. mate 20-25 percent of the medium-term asset prices in the Asia complex. Light the IMF program, versus a total target of and meet the backlog of FX demand fiscal adjustment will take place through positioning in EM and still-high levels of 5.5ppt of GDP in primary balance adjust- (US$3-10bn, according to local press) is Budget deficit set to narrow in 2017 higher oil prices, assuming full NTP cash holdings helped to trigger the posi- ment over the life of the program. This needed to bring back a portion of the We expect the 2017 fiscal deficit to implementation. tive price action. includes the introduction of VAT from historically large foreign portfolio invest- narrow on the back of higher oil prices, However, a continuation of the EM ral- September (with likely proceeds of ment, in our view. discipline in spending and non-oil rev- ly is far from assured. We expect US real GCC sovereign issuance EGP22bn or 0.7 percent of GDP and an enue measures. We see the 2017 budget rates to continue moving higher in the EM as an asset class still benefits from inflationary impact of c.1.5ppt), wage bill Saudi Arabia deficit at SAR316bn ($85bn; 12 percent coming months on the back of more diversity, as a large concentration of control through the passage of the Civil Budget calls for higher oil prices of GDP) on the back of higher oil prices stimulative fiscal policy, which should LatAm and Asia provides an offset to the Service Act, and energy subsidy reform We think that the Saudi USD peg will ($57/bbl), compared with a deficit of translate into a stronger USD and higher volatility in the Central and Eastern (EGP22bn or 0.7 percent of GDP in pro- hold given sizeable foreign assets and the SAR402bn in 2016 ($107.5bn; 16.9 per- risk premium in EM assets. The extent of European countries. The bulk of 2017 ceeds). The impact of currency deprecia- experience with implementing multi-year cent of GDP) and SAR385bn in 2015 the move will naturally depend on sovereign issuance is expected to come tion on fiscal accounts is likely to be fiscal adjustments. Energy policy should ($102bn; 15.9 percent of GDP). whether the fiscal easing will be accom- from GCC, followed by LatAm. We expect broadly neutral. Unless the EGP weakens shift toward supporting oil prices. Main Underlying spending discipline kept the panied by a wave of deregulation and Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Qatar and much further, the CBE is unlikely to raise view: Higher oil prices smooth the adjust- 2016 fiscal deficit in line with budget tar- protectionist policies. Enjoy great Qatar Airways Holidays packages to experience DJWE 2017

GCC residents can book flight, hotel and tour packages online

DOHA: Qatar Airways Holidays, the leisure divi- sion of Qatar Airways is offering fantastic pack- ages for visitors travelling to the fourteenth edi- tion of the Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition 2017 (DJWE) taking place between 20-25 February. Qatar Airways Holidays has designed special flight, hotel and tour packages for visitors to this international luxury event, providing seamless travel arrangements and allowing them to discov- er what Doha has to offer during their trip. A range of Economy and Premium packages are available, including for premium travel a first class return Bosch to pay out over ticket and two nights stay at a five star hotel start- ing from KD 135 per person. Qatar Airways ‘dieselgate’ but Holidays exclusive hotel packages also offer com- plimentary services such as buffet breakfast, room admits no wrongdoing upgrades, airport shuttle, parking, early check-in late check-out and discount vouchers for spa, FRANKFURT AM MAIN: German car parts customers and US authorities and to activities and meals depending on the availability. the jewellery and watches they will discover at tication to deliver a wealth of new experiences - maker Bosch will pay out compensation to US obstructing justice by destroying docu- Travellers can book flight and hotel packages or the fair.” a series of new fairytale stories in luxury. buyers and dealers of Volkswagen-made ments. On Wednesday, it announced a final hotels from now until 25 February by visiting Travellers looking for transportation for the Qatar Airways Holidays is the leisure travel diesel cars affected by the ‘dieselgate’ scandal, tranche of compensation payments, buy- www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/DJWE. entirety of their trip can also hire cars as well as division of Qatar Airways. It offers a diverse it said yesterday, but admits no wrongdoing. backs and refits for US buyers of Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of city and cultural tours from Qatar Airways range of full-service holiday packages, hotels, Under a settlement agreement hammered out Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles fit- Commercial Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Holidays website. This annual luxury exhibition car rentals, tours and airport transfers for all with civil claimants, Bosch will “settle the most ted with 3.0-litre diesel motors. Ehab Amin, said: “Qatar Airways Holidays is offer- welcomes more than 400 brands showcasing types of traveller that demand a seamless and substantial part of the criminal law proceed- ing visitors to Doha complete travel packages at their striking gemstone and accessories collec- hassle-free travel experience. Travellers planning ings pending in connection with Volkswagen, Moving on? special prices, to ensure travellers enjoy visiting tions at Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre holidays can choose flights and accommodation, Audi and Porsche diesel vehicles that were By contrast, Bosch said it “neither acknowl- this international event and their opportunity to (DECC) in the heart of Doha’s business district. book transfers, insurance and destination activi- sold in the US” for $327.5 million (303 million edges the facts as alleged by the plaintiffs nor explore Doha. Visitors booking through Qatar DJWE 2017 is organized by Qatar Tourism ties all with Qatar Airways Holidays from Qatar, euros), the firm said in a statement. does Bosch accept any liability.” It agreed to Airways Holidays website will benefit from holi- Authority (QTA) who together with this year’s the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bosch, the world’s largest car parts supplier the payout because “we wish to devote our day extras such as early check-in and late check- partners, Auditoire, gives discerning visitors an Oman to more than 150 Qatar Airways destina- and a household appliance giant with 2016 attention and our resources to the transition out, airport shuttles and much more, all exclusive experience; one that brings together tions worldwide and beyond to over 1,500 revenues of 73.1 billion euros, is accused of in mobility and in other areas of activity,” chief designed to make their travel as glamorous as old world hospitality with cosmopolitan sophis- tourism global destinations. helping Volkswagen hide the existence of executive Volkmar Denner said in the state- sophisticated software included in diesel ment. Presenting provisional results for 2016 engines to minimise emissions during regula- last week, the family-owned firm said it was tory testing. investing billions in transitioning to electric Fillon scandal, Frexit concerns, The so-called “defeat devices” were cars and connected objects from its tradition- installed in 11 million diesel engines from VW al car components and domestic appliances force up French borrowing costs and its subsidiaries around the globe before business. The Stuttgart-based firm admitted coming to light in September 2015. soon after the dieselgate scandal emerged to LONDON: The premium investors demand to an adviser to Le Pen fleshed out their Frexit plans,” Aa3/AA/AA- by the three main ratings agencies, The Stuttgart-based firm said that its com- having supplied parts of the software used in hold France’s government debt rather than said ING strategist Martin van Vliet, using a term Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch. pensation agreement “would settle the claims the defeat devices, but has “neither admitted Germany’s or Belgium’s hit multi-year highs yes- similar to the Brexit of Britain leaving the France’s 10-year government bond yields rose of consumers and dealers of used vehicles anything nor covered anything up,” a terday with French bonds under pressure from European Union. “And with Fillon under the was up 5 basis points yesterday to 1.10 percent, against Robert Bosch GmbH, its affiliates, spokesman told AFP. rising political risks before presidential elections microscope as well, France is definitely underper- close to a 16-month high hit earlier in the week employees, and directors” in the United States. With the proposed agreement affecting in April and May. forming.” Fillon, favourite to win the election until and following a 34 bps rise in January, the biggest It covers customers who bought vehicles from only civil law claims, Bosch added that it “will The election is shaping up as a major risk a week ago, insists his wife did real work for her monthly rise since June 2015. German 10-year Volkswagen and Audi with 2.0-litre diesel continue to defend its interests in all other civ- event for markets. Investors are concerned over pay as a parliamentary assistant. A poll yesterday yields, the euro zone benchmark, were 2.2 bps engines between 2009 and 2015, as well as il and criminal law proceedings and to cooper- the possibility of a win for Marine Le Pen, leader showed an increase in support for both Le Pen higher at 0.46 percent. 3.0-litre VW, Audi and Porsche cars produced ate comprehensively with the investigating of the far-right National Front. The FN said on and centrist Emmanuel Macron, with Fillon, the Data on Tuesday showed inflation in the euro- between 2009 and 2016. authorities in Germany and other countries.” Tuesday it would put leaving the euro at the candidate of The Republicans, not making the zone hit 1.8 percent last month, just below the If it goes ahead, Bosch’s $327.5-million Meanwhile, it remains under investigation in heart of its economic platform. Le Pen is not second round. European Central Bank’s target, putting pressure deal would be dwarfed by the more than both Germany and the United States. Bosch is favored to win in polls, but the candidate who The gap between France’s 10-year bond yield on the bank to wind down stimulus sooner rather $23 billion so far agreed by Volkswagen in running its own internal investigation “priori- was, conservative Francois Fillon, has been and its Belgian equivalent hit 26 basis points on than later. Most other eurozone yields were up 2- compensation and fines to customers, deal- tizing thoroughness over speed,” the embroiled in a scandal. Wednesday, the highest since at least April 2008. 4 bps yesterday ahead of the first US Federal ers and authorities in the United States. The spokesman said. The firm’s proposed deal with Police searched Fillon’s office in parliament as The spread over Germany hit an almost three- Reserve meeting of the year, due to conclude lat- firm set aside 650 million euros in provisions VW buyers and dealers must still be approved an inquiry into alleged fake work by his wife year high of 63.5 bps. The debt of France and er in the day. The market will be looking for clues in 2015 to cover any legal costs arising from by a US federal judge in California, with a threatened his campaign. “The France (bond Belgium are often compared because of their as to how aggressive a stance the world’s most the ‘dieselgate’ scandal, which became pub- hearing slated for February 14. Bosch hopes to yield) spread to Belgium is the gauge we use for similar credit ratings and geographic proximity. important central bank will take on interest rate lic in September that year. To avoid a trial, receive a green light by early May after plain- political risk, and that has widened further after France is rated Aa2/AA/AA and Belgium increases. — Reuters VW admitted to conspiring to deceive its tiffs have had time to examine its offer. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 BUSINESS flydubai reports $8.6 million profit for 2016 Airline announces 14.4% passenger growth to 10.4 million

KUWAIT: flydubai has yesterday previous year’s figure of 20.5 percent. passengers. This was followed by the announced its full-year results for 2016 The closing cash and cash equivalents Caucasus which grew by 88 percent, as a reporting a profit of AED 31.6 million position, including pre-delivery pay- result of a liberalization of the visa rules, ($8.6 million). It has reported total rev- ments for future aircraft deliveries, creating an increased demand from both enue of AED 5 billion ($1.37 billion) an remained strong at AED 2.3 billion. inbound and outbound traffic flows. In increase of 2.4 percent compared to the Fuel costs were 25 percent of operat- addition, Business Class passengers grew same period last year. The stronger sec- ing costs compared to 30.6 percent in by 38 percent in Europe and 24 percent ond half, driven by increased passenger the previous year, against a backdrop of in the GCC and Middle East. numbers, was impacted by downward Network expansion: During the pressure on yield leading to lower overall course of the year, increased flight fre- revenue growth reflecting a continuation quency on existing routes and a matur- of the same adverse factors reported in ing in the performance of the 41 new the first half. routes launched in 2014 and 2015 saw Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al- ASKM grow by 9 percent. Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: The launch, on 29 November, of “these results see flydubai report its fifth flights to the popular destination of consecutive full-year of profitability. In Bangkok was the first route outside of 2012, our third year of operation, we car- the GCC to start operations with a dou- ried 5.1 million passengers. This year, we ble daily service. Across the network, fly- the further expansion of the airport. new model Boeing 737 MAX 8 and the have carried 10.4 million passengers dubai reported the following passenger Staff numbers: flydubai continued to first of these aircraft will enter into serv- demonstrating that flydubai continues to flows: grow its experienced team with a total of ice in the second half of the year. The help change the way both business and * GCC & Middle East: flydubai carried 3,773 staff including 746 pilots, 1,618 overall capacity will not grow during leisure passengers travel around the 28 percent of all traffic between Dubai cabin crew and 282 engineers. 2017, as short term capacity needs are region. An established tourism destina- and the GCC and Middle East. OPEN: flydubai launched its simple adjusted, due to the ongoing challeng- tion and global centre for business * Europe: passenger numbers in and straightforward rewards program on ing operating environment. Since together with the UAE’s geographic loca- Europe grew by 19 percent. 25 October 2016 and has been well launch, one of the principles of flydubai’s tion has supported the need for Ghaith Al-Ghaith * Russia: with 21 flights per week received in the market. fleet planning strategy was to maintain a increased connectivity.” lower fuel prices for the year, with legacy across 7 destinations passenger numbers FZ981: Following the tragic loss of young fleet. Under these plans, the air- Ghaith Al-Ghaith, Chief Executive fuel hedges impacting only 21 percent of increased by 3 percent. FZ981 on 19 March 2016, flydubai line will see the eight-year lease term Officer (CEO) of flydubai, reviewing the the volume for full year 2016. Ancillary * Ukraine: overall flydubai passenger remains focused on supporting the fami- expire for 4 Next-Generation Boeing 737- Annual Results for 2016, commented: revenue comprising of baggage, cargo numbers on flights between Ukraine and lies who lost their loved ones. In addition 800 and during the year these aircraft “Over the last two years we have seen and inflight sales contributed 13.8 per- Dubai increased by 26 percent. to providing initial financial assistance will be retired from the fleet. passenger traffic grow cumulatively by cent of revenue; dropping from 15.1 per- * Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, payments and interim financial assistance Ghaith Al-Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, 52 percent in terms of RPKM1. We con- cent from the previous year. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan): its 5 points payments, our Long Term Care Team con- looking to the year ahead, said: “we will tinue to demonstrate that we gain loyal across the region saw flydubai contribute tinues to be available to the bereaved remain prudent throughout 2017 as we customers across our network who rec- Operational performance 23 percent of the total growth at Dubai families who are our primary concern. will continue to operate in a challenging ognize the benefits of direct air links and Aircraft deliveries: 8 Next-Generation airports. Plans are being put in place for a memori- socioeconomic environment. Yields will enjoy our onboard offering. The continu- Boeing 737-800 aircraft joined the fleet * Subcontinent: passenger numbers on al to mark the first year anniversary. remain under pressure and we expect to ation of mainly lower fuel prices and in 2016 in support of network expansion. the flydubai network grew by 22 percent. Ghaith Al-Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: report flat growth in the year ahead. We ongoing cost management efforts are The average age of the fleet was 3 years * Africa: passenger numbers from its 11 “flydubai continues, through its accredit- are looking forward to receiving the first reflected in the 16 percent improvement 8.5 months. points grew by 3 percent and con- ed representative, to support the investi- Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the region which in terms of ASKM2 over the last two Business Class: the growth in the tributed 12 percent of the total growth at gation into the tragic accident. Our Long will bring further fuel and operating effi- years. We have however seen a difficult number of flydubai’s Business Class pas- Dubai airports. Term Family Assistance team continues to ciency to our young modern fleet. We are pricing and operating environment.” sengers continued and saw the airline Al Maktoum International (DWC): be available for all the families.” focused on our strategy to lead in inno- carry 2.4 times the number of passengers Flydubai has been operating from DWC vation, to provide an unrivalled experi- Cost and revenue performance as in 2014. The Subcontinent saw the since October 2015. With its two gate- Outlook ence on board and on the ground, as we EBITDAR3 was healthy at 21.1 percent strongest demand for Business Class car- ways, flydubai will continue to gradually During 2017, flydubai will be the first continue to meet the travel demands of of revenue; an improvement from the rying more than double the number of increase its operations at DWC based on airline in the Middle East to receive the our passengers.” KFH Capital upholds a strong buy recommendation for Al-Mazaya Share fair value range at 170-175 Kuwaiti fils upheld

KUWAIT: KFH Capital has affirmed Al-Mazaya Holding’s share fair value range at170 -175 Kuwaiti Fils. The rating, mentioned in an official report issued by KFH Capital recently, is based on the robust growth potential of Al-Mazaya’s cur- rent investments, now centered in Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Turkey. The rat- ing is supported by the company’s strengths in recurring cash flows generated by its major oper- ations, mainly those in areas of real estate. As per the report, KFH Capital’s rating reflects Al Mazaya Holding’s 2016 performance and the Zain announces Khalid future outlook over the next three years in a con- servative way that takes into consideration only Al-Saleh winner of grand the profits the company reaps through projects that are now under construction. This excludes the new enterprises that the company is plan- prize in ‘Pay Online and Win’ ning to develop, including, for example, the Al- Sharq Project in Kuwait, although the plot has KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- winners of valuable prizes across the past already been purchased by the company and The company’s overall net profits are predicted to coming three years, including the diversification tions company in Kuwait, announced the 8 weeks. Postpaid customers got one the design and process layout work already rise in 2018, 70 percent of which shall be generat- the company has achieved within the asset base winner of the Grand Prize in its “Pay Online chance to enter the draws for every KD1 started. This is in addition to the Q-Line Project ed by rental returns especially when the delivery and revenue streams. While revenue streams are and Win” draw that saw a weekly postpaid paid through Zain’s digital channels, in the United Arab Emirates; their design and of real estate projects is approaching the final real estate-related, they are diversified by geogra- winner of four valuable prizes when paying including the company’s website layout works have already been completed in stages. This advantage places Al-Mazaya Holding phy, varying between developed-for-sale and their bill using Zain’s website or app. (pay.kw.zain.com) and Zain’s app available preparation for the execution stage. among top regional companies that boast high rental properties. This mitigates operating risks Zain concluded the campaign by for iOS and Android. The strength of the company’s share is attrib- cash flows and considerable operating revenue and ensures good growth prospects for real announcing Khalid Saleh Essa Al-Saleh win- Zain launched this exciting promotional utable to its ability to increase its total profits over streams. The report underlined the strengths cur- estate assets. The company’s high net profits and ner of the Grand Prize in the final draw, campaign to reinforce its leadership posi- the coming three years, according to the report. rently boasted by the company and over the cash generation have been hailed as well. which includes iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, tion and its pledge in offering the best Touch Hotspot LTE-A with free 1.5 TB products and services to meet its cus- Prepaid Internet line valid for 3 months, tomers’ personal and professional telecom- Renault Al-Babtain announces and a PlayStation 4 (1 TB). munications needs, who are considered The campaign was concluded with 8 Kuwait’s biggest family of subscribers. new offers for February 2017 KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen and third party insurance on litre petrol engine is also an Gulf Bank announces winners Abdulaziz Al-Babtain all Renault vehicles. The offer atmospheric, four-cylinder, Company (AABC), the author- also includes the All-New power is 170hp (126kW) at of Al-Danah daily draws ized dealer of Renault vehi- Koleos and Talisman, the new 6,000rpm, with peak torque cles in the State of Kuwait, line from Renault. The All- of 233Nm at 4,000rpm. KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah KD1 million dinar will be held on 11 launched an exciting offer as New Koleos is the latest, The Renault Talisman pro- daily draws on 29 January 2017 January, 2018 whereby the Al-Danah a part of its Hala February redesigned, restyled, and vides a distinctive blend of announcing the names of its winners for millionaire will be announced. campaign. much-awaited addition to comfort and delight to the the week of 22 January - 26 January The offer gives the oppor- Renault’s product line-up and driver, with electronic damper 2017. The Al Danah daily draws include Five reasons why the Al Danah tunity to the first 100 cus- bears all the hallmarks of a control for outstanding on- draws each and every working day for account is the best: tomers to win amazing prizes charismatic SUV echoing an road dynamics that combine two prizes of KD 1,000 per winner. 1) Kuwait’s single biggest yearly cash including cash back, tinting unseen alliance of power and maneuverability, perform- prize of KD 1 million and body protection, airline refinement that fulfill all ance and ease. It is for those Gulf Bank launches The winners are: 2) Kuwait’s biggest quarterly cash prizes, tickets, fuel vouchers, mobiles expectations. All-New Renault looking for a luxurious and ‘Gulf Live’ new interactive Sunday 22/1: Mohammed Sultan Ismel up to KD500,000 or Al Babtain Vouchers. The Koleos’ engine and transmis- practical car, with a class-lead- Al-Qalaf, Adel Abdullah Mohammed Al- 3) Two winners of KD1,000 every work- offer also includes a ten years sion line-up has been tailored ing energy TCe 190 tur- teller machines Naser ing day. warranty or 500,000 km in to meet the needs and expec- bocharged direct-injection Monday 23/1: Ebrahim Khaled Saad 4) The most chances to win addition to free registration tations of the market. The 2.5- petrol engine, which ensures KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is pleased to be one of the first banks Abdullah, Nader Naser Theyab Al-Turki 5) Only Bank that transfers your chances driving enjoyment and effi- in Kuwait to launch its Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) enti- to win from year to year ciency, with 190 hp on tap, tled “Gulf Live” across many of its branches. fuel consumption and CO2 With cutting-edge technology and live customer service Only Al-Danah makes millionaires emissions of as low as 17 representatives, customers can easily conduct their daily Al-Danah also offers a number of km/litre and 139 g/km transaction needs. unique services including: the Al-Danah respectively. ‘Gulf Live’ is a live video conversation with Gulf Bank’s deposit only ATM card which helps A normally aspirated representatives allowing customers to avoid queues in account holders deposit their money at engine is available as well. branches and has extended hours of services. Through their convenience; as well as the Al-Danah This month-long offer and ‘Gulf Live’ customers can withdraw amounts up to KD 5,000 Tuesday 24/1: Naser Amran Abdullah calculator to help customers calculate their Renaut Al Babtain’s Hala and deposit amounts up to KD 3,000. Customers can also Kanaan, Rajaa Sulaiman Dawoud chances of becoming an Al-Danah winner. Febrayer 2017 festival spon- cash and deposit checks, in addition to a variety of transac- Mohammad Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open sorship are yet another tion which are usually offered by the branch tellers. Wednesday 25/1: Rozat Shafiq Abbasi, to Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti residents of opportunity to deeply Choosing a denomination which ranges from KD 1 to KD Sawsan Abdulrazaq Jassim Al- Kuwait. Customers who open an account immerse Kuwait’s customers 20, conducting all transactions by simply using a civil ID Abdulsalam and/or deposit more will enter the draw in Renault brand culture and rather than a debit card, are also part of ‘Gulf Live’. Thursday 26/1: Hanaa Nader Al-Khudari, within two days. cement their loyalty. Renault The new ITMs enable Gulf Bank to offer its customers Mahmoud Hasan Haq Aadrmnabada To take part in the Al-Danah 2017 Al-Babtain regularly strives to the benefits of both self-service video banking and the Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2017 draw line- upcoming quarterly and yearly draws, design offers that people sim- branch experience in one simple solution. In fact, it com- up includes daily draws (2 winners per customers must have an Al-Danah ply just cannot resist while bines video banking and remote transaction processing working day and each receive KD1000). account containing at least KD 200; cus- creating a more memorable banking technology embedded within the ITM to give the Al-Danah’s 1st quarterly draw for the tomers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 and enjoyable car shopping customer the choice of self-service or connecting with a prize of KD200,000 will be held on 30 branches, transfer on line, or call the experience. Renault Al remote teller in a highly personalized, two-way March, the 2nd quarterly draw for the Customer Contact Center on 1805805 for Babtain encourages all cus- audio/video interaction. prize of KD250,000 will be held on 29 assistance and guidance. tomers to gear up for the The new ‘Gulf Live’ machines are available at the Gulf June and the 3rd quarterly draw for the Customers can also log on to www.e- prizes awaiting them during Bank head office on Mubarak Al-Kabeer Street in Kuwait prize of KD500,000 will be held on 28 gulfbank.com/aldanahwinners, to find out the month of February as City, as well as the Jabriya branch and Al-Adan branch. Gulf September. The final Al-Danah draw for more about Al-Danah and its winners. they buy their favorite Bank will be deploying this new service at different branch- Renault car. es throughout the year. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 TECHNOLOGY Cisco reduces time to detection to six hours ccording to the Cisco (NASDAQ: the potential for security effectiveness gaps. of 14 hours in early 2016 to as low as six battle complexity and manpower chal- CSCO) 2017 Annual Cybersecurity “In 2017, cyber is business, and business hours in the last half of the year. This figure is lenges, leaving gaps of time and space for AReport (ACR), over one-third of organ- is cyber -that requires a different conversa- based on opt-in telemetry gathered from attackers to utilize to their advantage. Cisco izations that experienced a breach in 2016 tion, and very different outcomes. Relentless Cisco security products deployed worldwide. advises these steps to prevent, detect, and reported substantial customer, opportunity improvement is required and that should be “One of our key metrics highlighted in mitigate threats and minimize risk: and revenue loss of more than 20 percent. measured via efficacy, cost, and well man- the 2017 Annual Cybersecurity Report is the Make security a business priority: Ninety percent of these organizations are aged risk. The 2017 Annual Cybersecurity ‘time to detection’ - the time it takes to find Executive leadership must own and evangel- improving threat defense technologies and Report demonstrates, and I hope justifies, and mitigate malicious activity. We have ize security and fund it as a priority. processes after attacks by separating IT and answers to our struggles on budget, person- brought that number down to as low as six Measure operational discipline: Review security functions (38 percent), increasing nel, innovation and architecture,” said Ziad hours. A new metric - the ‘time to evolve’ - security practices, patch, and control access security awareness training for employees Salameh, Managing Director - West Region, looked at how quickly threat actors changed points to network systems, applications, (38 percent), and implementing risk mitiga- Cisco Middle East. To exploit these gaps, ACR their attacks to mask their identity. With functions, and data. tion techniques (37 percent). The report sur- data shows criminals leading a resurgence of these and other measures gleaned from Test security effectiveness: Establish clear veyed nearly 3,000 chief security officers “classic” attack vectors, such as adware and report findings, and working with organiza- metrics. Use them to validate and improve (CSOs) and security operations leaders from email spam, the latter at levels not seen tions to automate and integrate their threat security practices. 13 countries in the Security Capabilities since 2010. Spam accounts for nearly two- defense, we can better help them minimize Ziad Salameh, Managing Director, West Adopt an integrated defense approach: Benchmark Study, part of the Cisco ACR. thirds (65 percent) of email with eight to 10 financial and operational risk and grow their Region, Cisco Middle East Make integration and automation high on business,” said Scott Manson, Cyber Security techniques, they also employ new approach- the list of assessment criteria to increase visi- Leader for Middle East and Turkey, Cisco. es that mirror the “middle management” bility, streamline interoperability, and reduce structure of their corporate targets. New the time to detect and stop attacks. Security Lost customers, lost revenue attack methods model corporate hierarchies: teams then can focus on investigating and The 2017 ACR revealed the potential Certain malvertising campaigns employed resolving true threats. financial impact of attacks on businesses, brokers (or “gates”) that act as middle man- from enterprises to SMBs. More than 50 per- agers, masking malicious activity. Cisco Annual Cybersecurity Report cent of organizations faced public scrutiny Adversaries can then move with greater Cybersecurity has changed drastically after a security breach. Operations and speed, maintain their operational space, and since the inaugural Cisco Annual Security finance systems were the most affected, fol- evade detection. Report in 2007. While technology has helped attacks become more damaging and defens- es become more sophisticated, the founda- tion of security remains as important as ever. In 2007, the ACR reported web and business applications were targets, often via social engineering, or user-introduced infractions. In 2017, hackers attack cloud-based applica- tions, and spam has escalated. Ten years ago, malware attacks were on the rise, with organized crime profiting from them. In today’s shadow economy, thieves now run cybercrime as a business, offering low barri- er-to-entry options to potential customers. Today perpetrators can be anyone, any- where; they don’t require a security back- ground and can easily purchase “off-the- shelf” exploit kits. The 2007 report tracked 4,773 Cisco IntelliShield Security Alerts, mapping closely Cloud opportunity and risk: Twenty-sev- to the level seen by the National lowed by brand reputation and customer en percent of employee-introduced, third- Vulnerability Database. By the 2017 report, retention. For organizations that experi- party cloud applications, intended to open for the same time period, the vendor-dis- enced an attack, the effect was substantial: up new business opportunities and increase closed vulnerability alert volume had Twenty-two percent of breached organiza- efficiencies, were categorized as high risk increased by 33 percent to 6,380. We believe tions lost customers - 40 percent of them and created significant security concerns. the increase is driven by greater security lost more than 20 percent of their customer Old-fashioned adware - software that down- awareness, an increased attack surface and base. Twenty-nine percent lost revenue, with loads advertising without user permission - an active adversary. 38 percent of that group losing more than continued to prove successful, infecting 75 In 2007 Cisco advised defenders to own a Now in its 10th year, the global report percent cited as malicious. Global spam vol- 20 percent of revenue. Twenty-three percent percent of organizations investigated. A holistic approach to security, integrating highlights challenges and opportunities for ume is rising, often spread by large and of breached organizations lost business bright spot emerged with a drop in the use tools, processes and policies, and educating security teams to defend against the relent- thriving botnets. opportunities, with 42 percent of them los- of large exploit kits such as Angler, Nuclear stakeholders to protect their environments. less evolution of cybercrime and shifting Measuring effectiveness of security prac- ing more than 20 percent. and Neutrino, whose owners were brought Businesses looked to vendors for a compre- attack modes. CSOs cite budget constraints, tices in the face of these attacks is critical. down in 2016, but smaller players rushed in hensive answer, often in vain, who instead poor compatibility of systems, and a lack of Cisco tracks progress in reducing “time to Hacker operations and to fill the gap. prescribed piecemeal point solutions. In trained talent as the biggest barriers to detection” (TTD), the window of time new business models 2017 CSOs are grappling with the complexi- advancing their security postures. Leaders between a compromise and the detection of In 2016, hacking became more “corpo- Secure business, maintain vigilance ty of their environments. Cisco is combatting also reveal that their security departments a threat. Faster time to detection is critical to rate.” Dynamic changes in the technology The 2017 ACR reports that just 56 percent this through an architectural approach to are increasingly complex environments with constrain attackers’ operational space and landscape, led by digitization, are creating of security alerts are investigated and less security, helping customers get more from 65 percent of organizations using from six to minimize damage from intrusions. Cisco has opportunities for cybercriminals. While than half of legitimate alerts remediated. existing security investments, increasing more than 50 security products, increasing successfully lowered the TTD from a median attackers continue to leverage time-tested Defenders, while confident in their tools, capability while decreasing complexity. Apple reversed its iPhone slump, but what’s next? Selling iPhones gets tougher

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple has snapped out of the first sales slump in the iPhone’s decade- long history, although the modest upturn doesn’t mean that it has broken out of its inno- vation funk. If anything, the numbers Apple released Tuesday highlight the company’s growing dependence on the iPhone, whose sales tower above Apple’s other current offer- DETROIT: This photo provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows a ings. The company hasn’t managed to come up Tesla Model S during crash safety testing. — AP with another breakthrough product since its chief visionary, Steve Jobs, died in 2011. Tesla, BMW electrics fall short Meanwhile, Apple’s rivals have been rolling out new products in other promising fields of highest crash-test rating such as augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Apple currently trails in DETROIT: Two luxury electric vehicles - the when the front corner of the car collides with those areas, although many analysts believe Tesla Model S and the BMW i3 - fell short of a tree or telephone poll at 40 miles per hour. the company may try to catch up with prod- getting the highest safety ratings in new The Tesla’s safety belt allowed the crash ucts featuring those trendy technologies later crash tests by the insurance industry. The dummy to move too far forward and it hit its this year. No matter what’s coming down the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested head on the steering wheel. The institute said pike, the iPhone remains a huge moneymaker. 2017 models of both vehicles. Neither earned Tesla made a production change this month Its success is the main reason Apple boasts a the institute’s “Top Safety Pick” award, which to address the problem, so the car will be market value of $640 billion - more than any is given to vehicles that get the highest rating tested again. The Model S has earned the other company. in five different crash tests and offer a crash- highest ratings on US government crash tests, The iPhone is also driving the rapid growth SAN FRANCISCO: In this file photo, Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide prevention system with automatic braking. To but IIHS performs different tests. Tesla also of Apple’s services division, which makes money marketing, talks about the pricing on the new iPhone 7 during an event to announce new get a highest “Top Safety Pick-Plus” designa- earned a “poor” rating for its headlights. And a from fixing devices, selling music streaming products, in San Francisco. — AP tion, vehicles must meet all of those criteria high-performance version of the Model S, the subscriptions and commissions on sales of helped by a recall of Samsung’s Note 7 phones, shipped 13.1 million iPads in the past quarter, a and have good headlights. P100D, got a lower ranking on the roof mobile apps. Apple’s services revenue surged 18 which were plagued by battery fires. That 19 percent drop from the previous year. In the 2017 model year, 38 vehicles have strength test because its larger battery makes percent to $7.2 billion in the past quarter, put- problem drove some people switch to other “Remember when Apple called itself Apple won the “Top Safety Pick-Plus” designation, it much heavier, so the roof might not hold ting it on pace generate enough annual rev- models such as the iPhone. Computer Inc.?” says BGC Financial analyst including two plug-in hybrids: the Toyota up as well in a rollover crash. enue by itself to rank among the world’s largest About 17 percent of all iPhones are now 7 Colin Gillis, harking back to the company’s Prius Prime and the Chevrolet Volt. But no all- The government hasn’t performed a roof- companies. models, according to Localytics, which tracks identity until 2007. “They may as well call electric vehicles are on the list. The institute strength test on the P100D. The BMW i3, a activity on mobile devices. Most of the rest are themselves Apple Phone Inc. now.” Propelled hasn’t yet tested the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt, small electric car that starts at $42,400, also Barely on the rise older iPhone 6 or iPhone 5 models. Apple by the iPhone, Apple Inc.’s revenue edged up 3 which went on sale at the end of 2016. Tesla’s earned good ratings in four out of five tests. It But selling more iPhones has been getting could have sold more of the iPhone 7 Plus, percent to $78.4 billion in the quarter. But its Model S, an all-electric luxury sedan that fell short in the head restraint test, which tougher as more people hold on to older mod- which boasts a bigger screen and an extra profit dipped 3 percent to $17.9 billion. starts at $72,500, earned good ratings in four measures how well the car protects against els for longer periods and competitors such as camera, but the company misgauged demand of the institute’s five tests, including a side neck injuries in a rear crash. The i3 earned the and didn’t make enough to meet customer Still waiting impact test and a head restraint test. But it second-highest rating of “acceptable” for its Samsung and Google entice customers with demand, CEO Tim Cook said during a confer- It was Apple’s biggest quarterly revenue in earned a lower rating in a small overlap frontal headlights. The government hasn’t yet report- sleek devices running on Android software. ence call. IPhone sales could slip yet again. its 40-year history, but it doesn’t erase the crash test, which replicates what happens ed crash-test results for the i3.—AP The trend led to three consecutive quarters in which iPhone sales fell compared to the prior Anticipation is building for the expected question that has nagged Tim Cook since he year, causing Apple’s total revenue to sag as release of a 10th anniversary iPhone of some succeeded Jobs as CEO nearly 5 1/2 years ago: well. Apple bounced back in the quarter end- sort this summer or fall. What’s next? Cook touts a smartwatch that Daimler to supply self ing in December, buoyed by a positive Many smart phone owners could hold off Apple introduced as a huge success, but most response to the late September release of the until they get a good look at this year’s iPhone, analysts still view it as more of a novelty. In driving cars for Uber iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. That device featured a bet- says Daniel Ives, a senior vice president for the interviews, Cook has hinted Apple is exploring mobile research firm Synchronoss opportunities in augmented reality, which FRANKFURT: German auto giant Daimler The agreement will see Daimler build ter camera, which drew rave reviews, and no Technologies. “It’s like a drum roll while every- casts holograms and other digital images onto on Tuesday said it had struck a partnership and operate self-driving Mercedes-Benz jack for headphones, which irked some con- one waits for the curtains to roll back to unveil the real world around you. with Uber to supply self-driving cars for the cars for use by Uber, but the statement sumers and befuddled others. US ride-hailing company. The tie-up comes revealed no financial details. “As the inven- Apple shipped 78.3 million iPhones in the the next iPhone,” Ives says. “There is a lot of Apple also has been buying companies and as both carmakers and ridesharing firms tor of the automobile, Daimler aims to be a latest quarter, a 5 percent increase compared pent-up demand out there, so this has the hiring engineer specializing in artificial intelli- are jockeying to establish themselves as leader in autonomous driving-one of the to the previous year. It benefited from a year- potential to be a game changer.” Cook promis- gence, a niche focused on teaching computers leading players in the burgeoning world of most fascinating aspects of reinventing end quarter consisting of 14 weeks, one more es there are still many iPhone advances yet to to think and talk more like humans. Gillis autonomous driving, seen as the future of mobility,” Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said than the previous year period. If not for the cal- come that will win even more fans. “The smart believes Apple already has wasted too much the auto industry. “Under the terms of the in the statement. San Francisco-based Uber endar quirk, the iPhone sales slump might not phone is still in the early innings of the game,” time trying to figure out its next big move. cooperation, Daimler plans to introduce has invested heavily in self-driving car tech- have ended. he said. “I think there’s a lot more to do.” “When your iPhone juice runs down, you self-driving vehicles... on Uber’s global nology in recent years, and is currently Apple sold an average of 5.6 million iPhones The iPad, a tablet that became a smash hit should already be ready to ramp up your next ridesharing network in the coming years,” piloting the use of autonomous vehicles on per week in the latest quarter compare to 5.7 after its 2010 debut, remains mired in a three- product,” he says. “What have we gotten after the companies said in a joint statement. roads in the United States. — AFP million iPhones per week in the previous year. year sales slump, further magnifying the all the billions that Apple has spent on” The Cupertino, California, company also was iPhone’s importance to Apple. The company research and development? —AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE S Africa and EU spar over chicken meat dumping

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s poultry industry growing since the EU started to send more and Monday, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe electricity costs and injecting brine (salt water) says it is on the brink of collapse due to hotly- more leg quarters to South Africa at what we con- suggested the government should intervene by were causing South African industry’s problems denied accusations that the European Union is sider dumped prices,” RCL Foods managing direc- buying poultry farms that are closing down and rather than EU imports. dumping cheap chicken in the country in a dis- tor Scott Pitman, who will join the march, said. finding new markets for their produce. In the face The EU said it would welcome marchers into pute over free trade. Workers, former workers and “Not only have we taken a financial burden of damaging accusations of dumping, the their delegation offices yesterday to discuss their company managers from the South African poul- over the last five years, but the loss has got so big European Union has fought back, saying the South concerns. Brazil was the biggest poultry importer try sector will march on the EU headquarters in that we are going to go bankrupt if we don’t cut African poultry industry was blaming others for its to South Africa in the first half of 2016, followed by Pretoria yesterday, furious over cheap imports and the size of our business.” The South African poultry own failures. Netherlands, Britain and Spain. Trade Minister Rob mounting job losses. But the EU has accused the industry alleges that the EU dumps off-cuts of “When people are losing livelihoods, trade Davies told Bloomberg News last week the poultry industry of using it as a “handy scapegoat” for “dark meat”-chicken thighs and drumsticks-in deals can be a handy scapegoat,” EU Ambassador sector was in “distress”, adding “we will not have an domestic production problems, and said volumes South Africa at below-cost prices because the Marco Cornaro told reporters on Tuesday. “It is a industry to raise the competitiveness” if imports of EU chicken imported to South Africa were too European market prefers breast meat. distortion... to think that it is the EU trade policy continue to flood the market. On top of tough small to be responsible for the crisis. which is the origin, let alone the main source, of avian flu restrictions, South Africa has imposed Organizers of the march said that 4,000-5,000 Waste disposal the current woes of the SA chicken industry.” anti-dumping duties on EU importers and, in jobs had already been lost, and that 110,000 more “This is a form of waste disposal,” Kevin Lovell, According to EU figures, EU exports account for December, also introduced an extra “safeguard” were at risk in the industry, plus 20,000 in the feed the boss of the South African Poultry Association less than seven percent of total South African tariff to try to protect the industry. The EU is South supply sector. RCL Foods, South Africa’s largest (SAPA), said. South Africa is struggling with slow chicken consumption, and EU imports of “dark Africa’s biggest trading partner, and the dispute poultry producer, last month laid off 1,350 growth at just 0.4 percent last year and unemploy- meat” account for only 14 percent of local market marks a tricky start to the economic partnership employees — 20 percent of its workforce-and is ment is stuck stubbornly high at 27 percent-pos- consumption. Cornaro said a lack of competition, agreement (EPA) between the two sides that came selling 15 of its 25 farms. “This issue has been ing a major challenge to the ANC government. On a severe drought pushing up feed prices; rising into force last year. —AFP

Lobstermen question need for restrictions to help species

PORTLAND: Some lobster fishermen ermen with more restrictions if the envi- expressed skepticism Tuesday about a plan ronmental conditions are not good enough to try to revive the dwindling southern for the lobster population to survive?” The New England lobster stock through new regulators could pick new restrictions for fishing restrictions. Lobster fishing in the the fishery by May. The selection of those US is experiencing a boom that has lasted measures will follow public comments that several years, and prices have also been will be solicited in the coming months, the high. But the population of the species has commission has said. Possibilities for man- diminished in the waters off southern aging the fishery include changing the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut legal harvesting size limit for lobsters, and Long Island, New York, where it was reducing the number of traps in the water once plentiful. and enforcing seasonal closures. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Megan Ware, a fishery management Commission is considering a host of plan coordinator for the commission, said options to try to rejuvenate the region’s it’s important to find a way to increase egg lobster stock, which scientists have said is production among southern New England falling victim to rising ocean temperatures. lobsters so the population can rebuild. The An arm of the commission voted Tuesday new management options are geared at to send the options out for public com- accomplishing that, commission members ment. Fishermen and fishing groups at the have said. Fishermen seek lobsters off of meeting said it might not make sense to New England and Canada, with the US fish- restrict fishing when the environment itself ery based mostly in Maine. The southern is what’s hurting the lobster population. New England lobster fishery is a small George Dahl, a spokesman for the Long piece of a larger American lobster fishery Island Sound Lobstermen’s Association, that was worth a record of more than $620 asked: “What good is it to penalize the fish- million at the docks in 2015. —AP

FLORENCE: Antonio Medica, the colonel in charge of the Italian military’s cannabis laboratory shows Marijuana produced at the military’s 164- year-old chemical and pharmaceutical institute (ICFM), in Florence. — AFP photos India pledges to eradicate Italy’s military narcos TB, leprosy within decade NEW DELHI: India yesterday set deadlines infant mortality, which is nearly double in to eradicate a range of deadly diseases rural areas compared to urban centers. that afflict tens of millions of its poorest Additional funding in the budget will cook up cannabis cures people, unveiling a major boost to health also be used to transform 150,000 tiny spending in the annual budget. The gov- rural clinics into properly-staffed treat- ernment announced a 23 percent ment centers. India, home to one-seventh Producing it in a sealed environment is very important increase in spending on its woefully of the world’s population, spends just over underfunded public health system, one percent of its gross domestic product FLORENCE: It’s every stoner’s nightmare: marijua- producing top-grade weed for Italy’s health serv- absorb when grown in fields.” The first batches of including a pledge to eliminate killers like on its healthcare system, far below the na plants as far as the eye can see and not a spiff in ice. “One of my colleagues was joking with me the made-in-Italy pot have just arrived in pharmacies. tuberculosis, leprosy and black fever. global average. It is not the first time the sight. “No, I have never tried it, and I don’t have any other day: ‘We spent 40 years trying to stop the Its production is just one of the activities of the mil- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said cash will government has pledged to eradicate dis- intention of trying it either,” says Antonio Medica, troops smoking it in the barracks and now we are itary’s 164-year-old chemical and pharmaceutical flow particularly to poorer rural areas, eases, rolling out mass vaccination pro- the colonel in charge of the Italian military’s producing it ourselves’,” he said. In reality, it is a seri- institute (ICFM). The body prides itself on the fact where healthcare services are few and grams and awareness campaigns. India cannabis laboratory in Florence. As he inspects ous business. The quality has to be reliable because that its cannabis was registered as a pharmaceuti- preventable illnesses are rife. did stamp out the polio virus in 2014 but pristine plant buds destined to be cut and dried the output from the military’s Cannabis Project cal product by Italy’s medicines agency in “Poverty is usually associated with poor millions still suffer from infectious dis- into a version of the drug for medical use, the vet- Team is destined for patients, not potheads. September 2015. health. It is the poor who suffer the maxi- eases and preventable illness, with poor eran officer is nonetheless sure he is producing As such, it is very different from most of the mum from chronic diseases,” Jaitley told sanitation and lack of treatment options some really good stuff. “Absolutely yes, I can assure Not so high cannabis consumed around the world. This is parliament as he presented the budget. exacerbating the problem. you of that,” says Medica, who is wearing surgeon’s “Producing in this sterile, sealed environment is because the component that gets recreational He said black fever and filariasis, both There were 2.5 million cases of TB scrubs over his uniform. “We have done the tests.” very important,” Medica explains. “That is the only users high, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is less use- potentially fatal mosquito-borne illnesses, reported in 2015, according to the World In the doorway of a growing room that resem- way you can ensure a consistent product and one ful to doctors than another active ingredient, the would be stamped out by 2017, with lep- Health Organization. An estimated bles a cross between a science lab and a steamy free from the toxic materials, particularly heavy anti-inflammatory cannabidiol (CBD). In simple rosy following a year later. The target for 200,000 patients die every year from the greenhouse, Medica explains how he ended up metals like mercury, that the plants can easily terms, Italian military dope has less THC but more measles eradication is 2020 and 2025 for infection. India reported another CBD, compared to its street-bought equivalent, or tuberculosis-a major killer with millions of 200,000 cases of leprosy in 2015 despite even when compared with the legal, Dutch-made new cases every year. Jaitley also outlined an eradication program being in place supplies on which Italian physicians previously ambitious goals for reducing maternal and since 1955.—AFP relied. An estimated 2,000-3,000 Italians currently use medical cannabis for purposes such as relief from multiple sclerosis pain or combating nausea after chemotherapy. Non-stick chemicals common Medical munchies Italy’s guidelines also highlight its possible use in fast food packaging for glaucoma and in helping to restore the appetite of anorexia and HIV patients. The latter application MIAMI: Burgers, fries, tacos and pastries been associated with cancer, thyroid dis- depends on the same reaction that recreational come wrapped in grease-proof paper and ease, immune suppression, low birth marijuana users experience when they get the boxes that often contain non-stick chemi- weight, and decreased fertility according to “munchies.” Italy authorized the consumption of cals that may be able to leach into food, US prior studies. “These chemicals have been cannabis for medical reasons in 2007. But take-up researchers said yesterday. The study in the linked with numerous health problems, so has been slow with doctors reluctant to consider it journal Environmental Science and it’s concerning that people are potentially an option because of uncertainty over the circum- Technology Letters tested more than 400 exposed to them in food,” said lead author stances in which it can be used, dosages and how samples from 27 fast food chains in the Laurel Schaider, an environmental chemist United States. Almost half of paper wrap- at the Silent Spring Institute. FLORENCE: A member of the Italian Military’s Cannabis Project Team works in the growing to administer it. “They were afraid of side effects, pers and 20 percent of paperboard sam- “Children are especially at risk for health room of Marijuana and inspects pristine plant buds destined to be cut and dried into a version afraid to take the responsibility, afraid about every- ples-such as boxes for fries and pizza-con- effects because their developing bodies are of the drug for medical use, at the Chemical and Pharmaceutical institute (ICFM) in Florence. thing,” said Pierluigi Davolio, a Florence pharmacist. Davolio estimates he is now dispensing around tained fluorine, a marker for highly fluori- more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.” Six of 300 cannabis preparations per year as awareness nated chemicals used in stain-resistant car- the samples contained a long-chain PFAS and confidence grows amongst medics and pets, non-stick cookware and waterproof called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also Kenyan slum seeks to turn sewage patients, some of whom would have previously outdoor apparel. known as C8, even though several major risked self-medicating with dealer-supplied or “Wrappers for Tex-Mex food, desserts US manufacturers agreed to stopping into gold with recycling plant home-grown stocks. He has no doubt that and breads were the most likely to contain using C8 compounds in food packaging cannabis has its place on his shelves. “One thing it fluorine,” said the report. The study did not due to health hazards, after a 2011 US Food KIBERA, Kenya: Abdullahi Ibrahim’s dream to the mercy of the private suppliers. works well for is fibromyalgia, a condition for which show any specific harm to human health and Drug Administration review. set up a fruit-juice business has so far been “The whole slum is messy because the car- there is no really effective medicine,” he said, refer- from exposure to these chemicals-known as Researchers also detected some shorter- thwarted by water scarcity in Kenya’s biggest tels do not do their job as expected,” said ring to a disorder that causes joint pain. “We had a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) chain PFAS compounds, which have been slum, Kibera. But the 19-year-old is confident Akim. “They control the supply of water, ener- patient here who had sold her car because she was — in food wrappers. But researchers increasingly used as replacements for the a reliable water supply - which he sees as a gy and waste management.” The new plant, in too much pain to be able to drive. As soon as she warned that exposure to some PFASs has longer chain PFASs. —AFP basic need - will be available one day, whose construction began in November on a started (taking cannabis), she was back at the enabling him to open up shop. His ambition 5-acre plot of land donated by a local housing garage saying she needed it back.” could get a boost as soon as March, when a co-operative, could help bust their monopoly. sewage treatment plant under construction in Two drainage canals running through the An experimental phase the east of the slum, home to around a quar- slum will channel waste water to the plant, With 100 plants yielding eight kilograms of final ter of a million people in southwest Nairobi, is while young people will be awarded contracts product, the ICFM plans to have four growth cham- due to start operating. The plant is being built to supply solid waste, said project leader bers on stream soon and to produce around 100kg by ASTICOM K Ltd, a Kenyan company that Tsuma. The plant’s planned power capacity is (220 pounds) in total this year. Medica anticipates specializes in waste recycling, with $12.7 mil- 8 megawatts of electricity, which will be gen- being able to expand output and to produce dif- lion in funding from the multi-donor Climate erated using biogas from solid waste. ferent types of medical cannabis as demand grows Technology Initiative. It also aims to produce 6,000 tons of and feedback identifies which compound-mix ASTICOM CEO Leah Tsuma said the plant methane per year that will be sold for cook- works best for specific conditions. “We are still in a will be the first in Africa to both purify sewage ing. Treated water will be provided free to very experimental phase,” Davolio said. into clean water and convert solid waste into Kibera residents, Tsuma added. The plant’s Growing each plant to the harvesting point power. “Accessing water and electricity is a big purification technology uses anaerobic diges- takes three months, compared to a year outdoors problem for us slum dwellers,” said Ibrahim. “I tion where raw sewage is collected in a big in Italian conditions. Controlled cycles of powerful am looking to this recycling plant for things to tank, and then filtered and taken through a artificial light accelerate the process. The growing change.” In the absence of a water treatment chemical process to remove harmful bacteria. rooms are irrigated, kept between 20-28 degrees system, groups of traders have taken over The solid waste in the sewage water will be Celsius and frequently resonate to the strains of Kibera’s water supply. Even for those still con- used to make biogas, while the liquid part is Mozart, thought to be helpful to plant growth. nected to the city council water network like purified, Tsuma said. “Even the bad smell is After being processed into a texture resembling Robert Akim, a clerk at the Kibera Constituency removed, and so clean drinking water is gen- dried parsley, the cannabis is treated with gamma Office, unexpected rationing leaves them at erated,” she explained. —Reuters rays to kill off pathogens before being sold to phar- macists at 6.8 euros ($7.30) per gram. —AFP WASHIGNTON: This file photo shows a fast food hamburger in Washington, DC. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Low social rank bigger health risk than obesity

PARIS: People on the bottom rung of the socioeco- and eight months for obesity, according to Lifepath, health policymakers often do not consider it a risk government policies on tax or education, for exam- nomic ladder may live two years less on average a European Commission-funded consortium that factor to target,” Lifepath said in a statement. ple, said the study published in The Lancet. The than those at the top, according to a large-scale conducted the study. “Because these circumstances are modifiable, they researchers reviewed data from 48 previous studies study published yesterday. This makes social rank a For diabetes, the risk was almost four years in should be included in the list of risk factors target- covering more than 1.7 million people from seven bigger risk factor for illness and premature death lost life, and for smoking nearly five. The study was ed by global health strategies,” said Silvia Stringhini countries-Australia, Britain, France, Italy, Portugal, than either high alcohol consumption or obesity, the first attempt to weigh the health risk of socioe- of the Lausanne University Hospital, the lead Switzerland and the United States. They conceded and it nearly equals the risk posed by physical inac- conomic status against other “modifiable” factors, author of the study. that their research was limited by the fact that they tivity, researchers said. On average, a low social rank the authors said, at least in high-income countries. Smoking, drinking and physical inactivity are had used the participants’ occupation-whether a shaved over 25 months off the average lifespan, “Low socioeconomic status is one of the strongest already the focus of national and global public street sweeper or a CEO-as the sole measure of compared with six months for heavy alcohol intake predictors of premature mortality worldwide, but health policies. Social rank could be improved by socioeconomic status. —AFP

Dutch experiment with Tinder for orangutans THE HAGUE: An animal reserve in the De Stentor newspaper wrote: “Apenheul Netherlands is having apes respond to wants to know if female orangutans like images of their fellow creatures on a tablet, Samboja, looking at pictures on a tablet, a program dubbed “Tinder for orangutans” can show a preference for potential mates, by the Dutch press. To better understand before they are flown to the Netherlands.” their emotions, orangutans and bonobos at Initial results indicate that bonobos, an the Apenheul Primate Park near the central endangered ape species, react most strong- town of Apeldoorn are shown pictures of ly to photos showing positive behaviors, other apes, and researchers evaluate their such as sexual activity or searching for lice, responses-from neutral to aggressive, the the park said. “The study shows that pri- park said. “After seeing the photos, the mates pay attention to the emotions of monkeys have to push a button on the their peers,” the park said. “We now know, screen,” the park said. “In this way we can for example, that bonobos use body lan- measure their capacity for reaction.” guage to recognize emotions.” But the study The research, conducted with Leiden had to be suspended for the orangutans, University, could improve breeding pro- after Samboja, a young female, destroyed a grams for the apes, the park said. The local tablet showing potential suitors. —AFP Lock-in paralysis patients report being happy

MIAMI: International scientists for the first Birbaumer, professor at the Wyss Center time have found a way to communicate for Bio and Neuroengineering in Geneva, with people who are completely para- Switzerland. “All four had accepted artifi- KOSOVO: This file photo shows a Kosovo Albanian beekeeper showing his honeybees near the village of Studencan. — AFP photos lyzed from degenerative motor neuron cial ventilation in order to sustain their life, disease - and found that they report being when breathing became impossible; thus, happy. The report in Tuesday’s journal in a sense, they had already chosen to Beleaguered bees hit by PLOS Biology is based on four people with live.” Until now, researchers had believed complete “lock-in” syndrome, meaning that people with this condition were they are unable to move at all due to amy- unable to communicate because they lack otrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou the goal-directed thinking necessary to Gehrig’s disease), which destroys the part use a brain-computer interface. deformed wing virus of the nervous system responsible for “The striking results overturn my own movement. Patients are unable blink or theory that people with completely move their eyes, and they breathe with locked-in syndrome are not capable of Colony collapse disorder decimate bees the help of a ventilator. communication,” said Birbaumer. “We But using a non-invasive brain-comput- found that all four patients we tested were PARIS: A wing-deforming virus shortens the promising their ability to remember where they healthy and virus-infected bees allowed the er interface that measured levels of oxy- able to answer the personal questions we lifespan of wild honeybees already contending have been. The pathogen is found in most parts researchers to follow, and compare, their move- gen on the brain, researchers were able to asked them, using their thoughts alone,” with a startlingly long list of existential threats, of the world; in certain areas up to three-quar- ments. “Tracking out-of-hive activity is key in detect whether the patients were thinking he added. “If we can replicate this study in researchers said yesterday. Spread by micro- ters of hives are affected. It was previously also studying the impact of pathogens on honey- “yes” or “no” in response to a series of ques- more patients, I believe we could restore scopic mites, the microbe disrupts bees’ forag- suspected of affecting flight patterns and lifes- bee health,” the team said. The virus did not tions, with an accuracy rate of about 70 useful communication in completely ing and curtails their lives, experiments con- pan, but evidence was lacking. The new study reduce the number or duration of pollen-gath- percent. Some of the questions were locked-in states for people with motor firmed for the first time. “Deformed wing virus removes any doubt on this score. Scientists led ering sorties by worker bees. But it did cause common, such as asking a woman if her neuron diseases.” The technique in the strongly reduced the chances for workers to by Kristof Benaets from the Laboratory of the insects to begin foraging too young, the husband’s name was Joachim, or if Berlin study used near-infrared spectroscopy survive to foraging age,” scientists reported in Socioecology and Social Evolution in Leuven, experiment revealed. They were less adept at was the capital of France. A man was combined with electroencephalography the Royal Society journal Proceedings B. It also Belgium, set up an experiment using radiofre- the task, and died earlier than non-infected asked if his daughter should marry her (EEG) to measure blood oxygenation and “reduced the life expectancy and total activity quency identification (RFID). bees. Deformed wing virus “had a strongly neg- boyfriend, and answered “no” nine out of electrical activity in the brain. span” of infected bees, they found. Tiny emitters placed on the bodies of both ative overall effect,” the study concluded. —AFP 10 times. All four patients in the study Other brain-computer interfaces have Bees around the world-especially in Europe were asked, “Are you happy?” They each helped some paralyzed patients commu- and North America-have been decimated in consistently responded “yes,” over weeks nicate, but these tend to require eye recent years by a mysterious blight called of questioning. movements in order to work. More studies “colony collapse disorder”, in which entire pop- “We were initially surprised at the posi- are planned to see if the technique could ulations disappear or die out. Research has tive responses when we questioned the help more people with paralysis resulting pointed an accusing finger at agricultural pesti- four completely locked-in patients about from ALS, or those who have suffered a cides, viruses, fungi, parasites, malnutrition their quality of life,” said lead author Niels stroke or spinal cord injury. —AFP because of fewer flowers-or some combination of the above. More than just the survival of the bees is at stake. Declawed, hungry tiger cub Scientists recently calculated that 1.4 billion jobs, and three-quarters of crops, depend on found in N Mexico town pollinators, mainly bees. All told, there are some 20,000 bee species that fertilize more MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s environmental pro- was determined to be a female around 4 than 90 percent of the world’s 107 major crops. tection agency says an abandoned Bengal months old. It had no claws and was dehy- At the same time, the United Nations estimates tiger cub was discovered wandering in a drated and malnourished. The agency that 40 percent of invertebrate pollinators- town in the northern state of Sinaloa. A urged people not to keep wild animals as mostly bees and butterflies-are at risk of statement from the federal agency says the pets without permission or in unsafe, inhu- extinction. cat was captured on a lot in Navolato, mane conditions. Tigers are not native to about 15 miles west of Culiacan, the capital Mexico. The agency said Tuesday the Mini tracking devices of Sinaloa. Tranquilizer darts were used to species is internationally protected as Deformed wing virus has previously been subdue the animal without harming it. It endangered. — AP recognized as a threat to bees’ well-being, com- NEPAL: This file photo shows a honeybee hovering over a flower in Kathmandu. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Chinese Association in Kuwait marks Lunar New Year

hinese Association in Kuwait celebrated Lunar New Year, the first day of the year of the rooster, in style on Jan 27, 2017. Large crowds gathered in Kuwait National Museum and Planetarium to mark the New Year. The crowd was amused with stunning performances. Officials from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Chinese expatriates and Cmany foreign friends also attended the ceremony. US Embassy notice

n Jan 27, US President Trump signed rorist or criminal infiltration by foreign Q: Is the Executive Order permanently hinder- an Executive Order temporarily sus- nationals, the Executive Order imposes on ing foreign nationals from traveling to the Opending entry into the United States nationals of certain designated countries a United States? of foreign nationals from seven countries 90-day bar on entry into the United States. The US Government is committed to facilitating under section 212(f) of the Immigration and This bar also includes a 90-day prohibition legitimate travel for international visitors while Nationality Act. This suspension provided for on visa issuance. These countries, as desig- ensuring the security of US borders. As explained in the Executive Order will allow us to nated by Congress or the Secretary of in the Executive Order, the suspension is one review current screening procedures, while Homeland Security, are: Iraq, Syria, Sudan, component of the initiative to ensure that ade- protecting national security - our top priori- Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. We will quate standards are established to prevent infil- ty when issuing visas. announce any other changes affecting trav- tration of foreign terrorists and criminals. In order The US government's national security elers to the United States as soon as that to best protect US borders and the American visitor screening and vetting procedures are information is available. people, the US government must ensure that constantly reviewed and refined to improve those admitted to the United States do not pose security and more effectively identify indi- Q: When will these changes take effect? a security risk or intend to exploit US immigration viduals who could pose a threat to the Beginning Jan 27, 2017, travelers who have laws for malevolent purposes. United States. We welcome every opportuni- nationality or dual nationality of one of ty to continue to review and improve our these countries will not be permitted for 90 Q: Is the Department of State cancelling or systems and procedures. We are reviewing days to enter the United States or be issued revoking visas previously issued to these the Executive Order and working closely an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. Those nationals? with the Department of Homeland Security nationals or dual nationals holding valid Beginning Jan 27, 2017, travelers, who have to implement it immediately. immigrant or nonimmigrant visas will not be nationality or dual nationality of one of these permitted to enter the United States during countries, will not be permitted for 90 days to Q: How will the Executive Order be imple- this period. Visa interviews will generally enter the United States or be issued an immi- mented? not be scheduled for nationals of these grant or nonimmigrant visa. Those nationals or Under the Executive Order, the Secretary of countries during this period. dual nationals holding valid immigrant or non- Homeland Security, in consultation with the immigrant visas will not be permitted to enter Secretary of State and the Director of Q: Are there any exceptions to the tempo- the United States during this period. Visa inter- National Intelligence, will immediately con- rary bar on entry? views will generally not be scheduled for nation- duct a review to ensure that the informa- The Department of Homeland Security and als of these countries during this period. tion available from a foreign country to be Department of State may, on a case-by- Additionally, as such travelers will not be admit- used in the processing of an application for case basis, and when in the national inter- ted to the United States under the Executive Sheraton Kuwait a visa or other immigration benefit is ade- est, issue visas or allow entry to nationals Order, and at the request of the Department of quate to uphold the integrity of the of countries for which visas and entry are Homeland Security, the Department of State is process. To allow for proper review and otherwise blocked under this Executive provisionally revoking valid visas previously culinary team rank 1st establishment of standards to prevent ter- Order. issued to any affected nationals. at HORECA Kuwait 2017

he Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points Sheraton Kuwait has been awarded a tro- Enjoy exclusive getaways Embassy of by Sheraton Kuwait culinary team phy for winning the overall battle with Tdominate the Salon Culinary com- seven gold, 11 silver, 16 bronze and petition for the second consecutive year numerous merit and appreciation certifi- with ABK's Visa card India Kuwait and clearly showcasing the market lead- cates was handed over by the organizers warns against ing position during the HORECA Kuwait to the Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points l Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), VISA and Jumeirah only, exclusive beach access and unlimited access to exhibition which is Kuwait's largest and by Sheraton team. Properties have joined forces to offer ABK Visa Wild Wadi Water Park. fake agents most prestigious chef competition pro- Fahed Abushaar - General Manager of Acard holders fantastic Jumeirah Hotel deals and In Europe, customers can get a 10 percent dis- gram for three days of battle among Sheraton Kuwait and Mounir Amer- exclusive travel discounts for 2017. count of the best available room rate if they book Kuwait's leading hotels and restaurant General Manager of Four Points by Customers making bookings using their ABK Visa for a minimum of two nights in any of the following ome unscrupulous agents are chef's in several live cooking and display Sheraton Kuwait and the departments card before March 31, 2017 can enjoy a range of unbeat- participating Jumeirah hotels: Jumeirah Frankfurt, duping members of Indian com- categories, Judged by a well known inter- Heads met the culinary team participated able benefits, such as up to 25 percent off the best avail- Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Jumeirah Carlton Smunity in Kuwait by extorting national panel of culinary experts and in the HORECA exhibition and they able room rate at selected Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts Tower, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel and Grosvenor money from Indian nationals/stu- celebrity chefs. praised their efforts to provide and main- across the UAE, Kuwait and Maldives, and up to10% off House Suites. Guests will also receive complimen- dents/professionals who have submit- All the attendees unanimously agreed tain the highest standards of quality. best room rates at selected Jumeirah Hotels in Europe. tary breakfast for two guests, a complementary 50 ted their educational/professional cer- that the culinary team performance at Abushaar thanked as well Chef Frank For visits booked to UAE, Kuwait or Maldives, cus- EUR spa or food and beverage credit, two tickets to tificates/degrees for attestation/verifica- the Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Noack - Cluster Director of Culinary for his tomers can get up to 25 percent off the best available a local cultural attraction, seasonal VIP amenities tion through local authorities/Embassy Sheraton Kuwait has excelled and made successful team management and guid- room rate at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah, and late check-out until 14.00. of Kuwait in New Delhi. all that is innovative with luxury touches; ance which have strengthened the pres- Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Jumeirah More information on UAE, Kuwait and Maldives Further, these agents faking as rep- also they praised the quality of materials ence of Sheraton Kuwait and maintained Emirates Towers and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, offers can be found at www.jumeirah.com/visaoffers resentatives of Embassy of Kuwait, New used by the chefs to prepare their dishes. the high level of quality service for over Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah and information about stays in Europe can be found at Delhi are asking those who contact Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by 50 years of continuous success. Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi www.jumeirah.com/TasteEuropewithvisa. For more them to deposit big amount of Indian and Jumeirah Vittaveli. Bookings must be for a minimum information about Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait please visit Rupees to the under-mentioned bank of three nightsand will include complimentary buffet eahli.com or contact a customer service agent via 'Ahlan account toward mandatory attestation breakfast, access to the hotel's Kids Club and, for Dubai Ahli' at 1899899. fee charged by concerned Indian uni- versities and Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for verifica- tion by using a fake email ID: kuwaitem- [email protected]. The details of the fraudulent bank account are as below:

Account No: 7860201005987 Account Name: Mr. Laltanpuia Name of the Bank: Syndicate Bank IFSC Code: SYNB0007960

The Embassy of Kuwait, New Delhi has confirmed that they have not asked anyone to deposit money in any bank account for the above purpose and that the email ID kuwaitembassy_in@hot- mail.com does not belong to them. In view of above, the Embassy advises Indian community members not to fall prey to the perpetrators of such frauds mentioned to above. It is important to note that process of verification of edu- cational/professional certificates does take time due to procedure/due dili- gence involved including response from the concerned educational institutions Abey Varicad, Managing Director of Orma Group presents gold gifts to Sushama situated in various parts of India. Shetty, the lucky draw winner of Orma jewelry gold gift scheme at Orma jewelry showroom in Salmiya. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Alghanim Industries Inaugurates First Flagship Store in Kuwait

CEO Omar Alghanim H E Ambassador Lawrence Silverman H E Ambassador Warren Hauk

lghanim Industries, one of the largest private compa- Emirates with plans for further expansion in Kuwait, Saudi nies in the region, opened its first Wendy's store in Arabia and across the Middle East. AKuwait. Employees, food enthusiasts and fans from Speaking during event, Alghanim Industries Chief across the country attended the grand opening, held at the Executive Officer, Omar Kutayba Alghanim said: "It's an excit- newly inaugurated stand-alone location on Blajat Street, ing day for Alghanim Industries as we celebrate the grand Salmiya. The grand opening kicked-off with Alghanim opening of Wendy's Kuwait with our customers. The decision Industries' Chief Executive Officer, Omar Alghanim who wel- to partner with one of the world's largest quick-service ham- comed guests to the first Wendy's store, promising more burger companies was heavily influenced by the values we stores in the months to come. He was joined by the share. When it comes to exceeding customer expectations, Ambassador of the United States, H E Lawrence Silverman, the Alghanim Industries and Wendy's share the same philosophy - Ambassador of Australia, H E Warren Hauk, and executives we don't compromise." Alghanim added: "This flagship store from The Wendy's Company with messages of congratulations represents the beginning of our journey in Kuwait. Before the on this auspicious occasion. end of 2017, we intend on opening more Wendy's restaurants Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1969, The Wendy's so that loyal customers can enjoy this great American brand at Company built their brand on quality and a commitment to their convenience - Marina Mall is next." delighting every customer. The hugely successful restaurant "In a few of months, we'll also be launching our first store franchise focuses on creating joy and opportunity through in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A huge market with huge food, family and community. Today, Wendy's is the third potential. We're really excited - this year is going to be a great largest burger chain in the world with around 6,500 outlets in year for our F&B portfolio." "We are very excited that our fran- 29 countries. In 2015, Alghanim Industries acquired the rights chise partner, Alghanim Industries, is celebrating the grand to develop Wendy's restaurants across the MENA region. opening of the first Wendy's restaurant in Kuwait today, said Today, the company operates 17 locations in the United Arab Bob Wright, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and International, The Wendy's Company. I'm confident that the operators at Alghanim Industries will successfully expand the brand in the MENA region and deliver an exceptional cus- tomer experience for all fans of Wendy's." Commenting on this occasion was Lawrence R. Silverman, the United States Ambassador to Kuwait: "I am pleased to see The attendees have the famous Wendy’s meals for dinner. that American brands continue to be well received and are expanding in the region. Wendy's is the third largest ham- burger chain in the world, known for fresh food made to order and a variety of options for the consumer. It will be a unique addition to the market. I wish this new enterprise success." In parallel, Warren Hauck, the Australian Ambassador to Kuwait commented: "At the heart of a burger you want the best ingredients and it's no secret that Australian beef is some of the highest quality beef in the world. So I am pleased to be here today for the opening of Wendy's who are using 100 per- cent Halal Australian Angus Beef in its burgers." Wendy's burgers are made using the highest quality ingre- dients; in Kuwait, the classic square patty is made of 100% Halal Australian Angus beef and 100% whole breast chicken fillets. The ingredients used include regionally sourced toma- toes, lettuce and buns from the UAE and Oman. Moreover, fresh tomatoes and crisp lettuce are freshly prepared daily at Wendy's restaurants; burgers because Wendy's believes that fresher always tastes better. Some of the must-try items are the signature Wendy's burger, Dave's Single, the Spicy or Home-style Chicken Sandwich and to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, the famous Frosty. Alghanim Industries is actively expanding its Food and Beverage portfolio, which began in 2013 with its franchise agreement that enabled it to penetrate the coffee shop mar- ket in Kuwait. The company recently expanded further through entering the "better chicken" segment of fast-casual restaurants, and is rapidly growing its F&B portfolio. The first Wendy's restaurant in Kuwait seats up to 68 customers inside and 60 in the outdoor area. The restaurant is strategically located on Al Blajat Street overlooking the stunning Arabian Graffiti artist Abdullah Al-Enezi makes a beautiful Gulf. Wendy's is open daily from 11 am until 1 am with a drive- painting during the event. through and take out options. The band 'After Thought' preformed at the event. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

18:30 How Do They Do It? 04:15 Desperate Hours 19:20 Boy To Man 04:45 Ancient X-Files 20:10 Auction Hunters 05:40 Strippers: Cars For Cash 21:00 So You Think Youʼd Survive? 06:35 Beyond Magic With DMC 21:50 Legend Of Croc Gold 07:30 Megastructures 00:00 The Dead Lands 00:50 River Monsters (Best Of 22:40 Treasure Quest: Snake 08:25 Mega Factories 02:00 Sharknado 2: The Second Series 1-5) Island 00:10 Hank Zipzer 09:20 Ancient X-Files One 01:45 Bondi Vet 23:30 Fast Nʼ Loud 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 10:15 Final Days Of Anne Frank 04:00 Legendary: Tomb Of The 02:40 Australia Doesnʼt Just Want 01:00 Violetta 12:05 Locked Up Abroad Dragon To Kill You 01:45 The Hive 13:00 Mega Factories 08:00 Blunt Force Trauma 03:35 Tanked 01:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:00 Megastructures 10:00 Hudson Hawk 04:25 Oʼsheaʼs Big Adventure Teenage Witch 15:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 12:00 Close Range 05:15 Gator Boys 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 16:00 Pope vs Hitler 14:00 Lucy 06:02 River Monsters (Best Of Teenage Witch 18:00 Locked Up Abroad 15:45 Tomorrowland Series 1-5) 00:00 The Universe 02:40 Hank Zipzer 19:00 Taboo USA 18:00 San Andreas 06:49 The Pool Master 01:00 World War II: Lost Films 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 20:00 Pope vs Hitler 20:00 Cradle 2 The Grave 07:36 Gorilla School 02:00 Cities Of The Underworld 03:30 Violetta 21:40 Locked Up Abroad 22:00 Waist Deep 08:25 Pit Bulls & Parolees 03:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 04:15 The Hive 22:30 Taboo USA 09:15 Australia Doesnʼt Just Want 03:50 Ancient Aliens 04:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 23:20 Strippers: Cars For Cash To Kill You 04:40 Your Bleeped Up Brain Teenage Witch 10:10 Oʼsheaʼs Big Adventure 05:30 The Universe 05:10 Hank Zipzer 11:05 Tanked 06:20 World War II: Lost Films 05:35 Binny And The Ghost 12:00 Pit Bulls & Parolees 07:10 The Universe 06:00 Violetta 00:00 Road Trip 12:55 Bondi Vet 08:00 Cities Of The Underworld 06:45 The Hive 02:00 Coneheads 13:50 Australia Doesnʼt Just Want 09:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 06:50 The 7D 00:00 House Of Cards 04:00 It Boy To Kill You 10:00 Ancient Aliens 07:00 Jessie 01:00 Marvelʼs Agents Of 06:00 Ride 14:45 Gator Boys 11:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 07:50 Rolling To The Ronks S.H.I.E.L.D. 08:00 Coneheads 15:40 Oʼsheaʼs Big Adventure 12:00 The Universe 08:15 Frozen: Magic Of The 02:00 StartUp 10:00 It Boy 16:35 Tanked 13:00 World War II: Lost Films Northern Lights 03:00 Berlin Station 12:00 Ride 17:30 Swimming With Monsters: 14:00 Cities Of The Underworld 08:20 Elena Of Avalor 04:00 The Fosters 14:00 Overboard Steve Backshall 15:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 08:45 Bunkʼd 05:00 Good Morning America 16:00 The Beautician And The 18:25 The Lion Queen 16:00 Ancient Aliens 09:10 Gravity Falls 07:00 Pitch Beast 19:20 The Vet Life 17:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 09:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Night At The Museum: Battle 20:15 Tanked 18:00 The Universe 10:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:00 Devious Maids Of The Smithsonian 21:10 Oʼsheaʼs Big Adventure 19:00 World War II: Lost Films 10:25 A.N.T. Farm 10:00 The Family 20:00 Dickie Roberts: Former Child 22:05 The Lion Queen 20:00 Cities Of The Underworld 10:50 A.N.T. Farm 11:00 Pitch Star 21:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 11:15 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 The Fosters 22:00 The Babymakers 22:00 Ancient Aliens 12:05 Shake It Up 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:30 Shake It Up 14:00 Devious Maids 12:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 15:00 Live Good Morning America 13:00 Welcome To The Ronks 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:00 My Haunted House 13:15 Gravity Falls 18:00 The Flash 01:00 Psychic Kids 13:40 Hank Zipzer 19:00 Suits 01:00 Primal Fear 02:00 I Was Possessed 14:05 Star Darlings 20:00 Blindspot 03:15 The Help 03:00 My Crazy Ex 00:20 Time Team 14:10 Austin & Ally 21:00 Lethal Weapon 05:45 Finding Forrester 04:00 My Haunted House 01:10 Counting Cars 15:00 Jessie 22:00 Star 08:00 Ordinary People 05:00 Psychic Kids 01:35 Car Hunters 15:50 Rolling To The Ronks 10:00 The Wave 06:00 I Was Possessed 02:00 Forged In Fire 16:15 Sunny Bunnies 11:45 Testament Of Youth 07:00 Soham: 10 Years On 02:50 Storage Wars 16:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 14:00 Crouching Tiger, Hidden 08:00 Shannon Matthews: The 03:15 American Pickers And Cat Noir Dragon Disappearance 04:05 Pawn Stars 16:45 Elena Of Avalor 16:00 The Theory Of Everything 09:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 05:00 Mountain Men 17:10 Bunkʼd 18:00 The Assassination Of Jesse 10:00 It Takes A Killer 06:00 Ice Road Truckers 17:35 Frozen: Magic Of The 00:30 Wrecked James 11:00 When Life Means Life 06:50 Shipping Wars Northern Lights 01:00 Wrecked 20:45 Whiplash 15:00 Shannon Matthews: The 07:40 Counting Cars 17:40 Girl Meets World 01:30 Bordertown Disappearance 08:05 Car Hunters 18:05 Bizaardvark 02:00 Bordertown 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:30 Pawn Stars 18:30 Liv And Maddie 02:30 The Big C 17:00 It Takes A Killer 09:20 Storage Wars 18:55 Best Friends Whenever 03:00 New Girl 18:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 10:10 American Pickers 19:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 03:30 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 01:00 The Wannabe 19:00 The First 48 11:00 Alone 19:25 The Next Step Surviving 02:45 The Intern 21:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 11:50 Time Team 19:50 Austin & Ally 04:00 The Bill Engvall Show 05:00 4 Minute Mile 22:00 Shannon Matthews: The 12:40 Swamp People 20:15 Star Darlings 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 07:00 Where Hope Grows Disappearance 13:30 Ax Men 20:20 Shake It Up Jimmy Fallon 09:00 The Intern 14:20 Mountain Men 20:45 Backstage 05:30 Trophy Wife 11:15 In The Heart Of The Sea 15:10 Ice Road Truckers 21:10 Liv And Maddie 06:00 $#*! My Dad Says 13:15 Woodlawn 16:00 Counting Cars 21:35 Cracke 06:30 The Bernie Mac Show 15:15 Far From The Madding 16:50 Pawn Stars 21:40 The Next Step BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Crowd 17:40 Leepu And Pitbull 22:05 Best Friends Whenever 08:00 The Bill Engvall Show 17:15 Zootropolis 18:30 Counting Cars 22:30 Mako Mermaids 22:00 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 08:50 I Almost Got Away With It 08:30 Trophy Wife 19:15 The Boss 00:30 Nextworld 18:55 Car Hunters 22:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 22:25 Gummi Bears 09:40 On The Case With Paula 09:00 New Girl 21:00 Our Brand Is Crisis 01:20 Wildest Africa 19:20 Ax Men 22:55 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons Zahn 09:30 Son Of Zorn 23:00 The Stanford Prison 02:10 Finding Bigfoot 20:10 American Pickers 23:00 Jake And The Never Land 10:30 Love The Way You Lie 10:00 The Mindy Project Experiment 03:00 Destroyed In Seconds 21:00 President Obama: In His Pirates 11:20 Nightmare Next Door 10:30 The Bernie Mac Show 03:25 Destroyed In Seconds Own Words 12:10 Lone Star Mystery: A 00:20 Dragon Island 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:50 Ultimate Survival Disappeared Special 01:10 Dangerous Encounters Jimmy Fallon 04:40 How Itʼs Made 00:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 02:00 Turf War- Lions And Hippos 12:00 $#*! My Dad Says 05:05 How Itʼs Made 00:35 The Hive 13:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 02:50 Planet Carnivore 12:30 The Bill Engvall Show 01:00 Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock 05:30 Storm Chasers 00:45 Loopdidoo 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 03:45 Ultimate Animals 13:00 Trophy Wife And Roll Mystery 06:20 Mythbusters 06:00 Danger Mouse 01:00 Henry Hugglemonster 14:40 On The Case With Paula 04:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 13:30 The Bernie Mac Show 02:45 Worms 07:00 Do You Know? 00:00 Food Network Star 06:25 Gravity Falls 01:15 Calimero Zahn 05:35 Turf War- Lions And Hippos 14:00 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 04:30 Miffy The Movie 07:15 Doki 01:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:50 The 7D 01:30 Art Attack 15:30 Love The Way You Lie 06:30 Planet Carnivore Surviving 06:00 Daddy Iʼm A Zombie 07:35 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 02:00 Man Fire Food 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 01:50 Zou 16:20 Nightmare Next Door 07:25 Ultimate Animals 14:30 Son Of Zorn 07:30 The Heart Of The Oak 08:00 Too Cute! Pint-Sized 03:00 Chopped 07:15 Counterfeit Cat 02:05 Loopdidoo 17:10 Swamp Murders 08:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 15:00 The Mindy Project 09:00 Dixie And The Zombie 08:45 How Itʼs Made 04:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 07:40 Supa Strikas 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 09:15 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 15:30 Wrecked Rebellion 09:05 How Itʼs Made 05:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 08:10 K.C. Undercover 02:35 Calimero 18:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 10:10 Rescue Ink 16:00 Wrecked 10:45 Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock 09:30 Nextworld Basics 08:35 Star Wars Freemaker 02:50 Zou 18:50 I Almost Got Away With It 11:05 Worldʼs Weirdest 16:30 $#*! My Dad Says And Roll Mystery 10:20 Mythbusters 06:00 The Kitchen Adventures 03:05 Art Attack 19:40 On The Case With Paula 12:00 Zambezi 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:15 Worms 11:10 Storm Chasers 07:00 The Pioneer Woman 09:00 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 03:30 The Hive Zahn 12:55 Vanishing Kings: Desert 18:00 The Goldbergs 14:00 Marco Macaco 12:00 Too Cute! Pint-Sized 08:00 Sibaʼs Table 09:25 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 03:40 Loopdidoo 20:30 Love The Way You Lie Lions Of Namib 18:30 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 16:00 Dixie And The Zombie 12:50 Ultimate Survival 09:00 Valerieʼs Home Cooking 09:50 Danger Mouse 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 21:20 Nightmare Next Door 13:50 Planet Carnivore Surviving Rebellion 13:40 How Itʼs Made 10:00 The Kitchen 10:20 Supa Strikas 04:10 Art Attack 22:10 Killer Confessions 14:45 Ultimate Animals 19:00 Son Of Zorn 18:00 Ploddy Police Car On The 14:05 How Itʼs Made 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 11:10 Counterfeit Cat 04:35 Loopdidoo 23:00 The Perfect Murder 15:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 19:30 The Mindy Project Case 23:50 California Investigator 16:35 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 19:30 Moomins And The Comet 17:30 Rescue Ink Jimmy Fallon Chase 18:25 Worldʼs Weirdest: Animal 21:00 Wrecked 21:00 Marco Macaco Taboo 21:30 Wrecked 22:30 The Heart Of The Oak 19:20 Ultimate Animals 22:00 Difficult People 20:10 Unlikely Animal Friends 22:30 Difficult People 21:00 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 23:00 The Big C 00:10 The Chase 21:50 Rescue Ink 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:00 Emmerdale 22:40 Worldʼs Weirdest: Animal 01:30 Coronation Street Taboo 01:00 The Amazing Wizard Of 02:00 Coronation Street 23:30 Zambezi Paws 02:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 03:00 Chilly Christmas 03:25 Doctor Thorne 05:00 Gulliverʼs Travels 04:15 Shetland 01:00 Roadside 07:00 Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster 05:15 Code Of A Killer 03:00 Dark Was The Night Madness 06:10 The Chase 05:00 The Silent Storm 09:00 Peter Pan 07:05 Couples Come Dine With Me 07:00 Matters Of The Heart 11:00 Gulliverʼs Travels 08:00 Doctor Thorne 09:00 The Harvest 13:00 Open Season: Scared Silly 09:00 Shetland 00:10 Cesarʼs Recruit: Asia 11:00 Dark Was The Night 15:00 Mousehunt 10:00 Code Of A Killer 00:35 Desperate Hours 13:00 Abandoned 17:00 Tinker Bell And The Lost 10:55 The Chase 01:00 Mission Critical 15:00 A Teacherʼs Obsession Treasure 11:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 02:00 Rise Up: The Legacy Of Nat 17:00 The Harvest 19:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 12:45 Emmerdale Turner 19:00 Standoff 21:00 The Last Flight Of Noahʼs Ark 13:15 Coronation Street 02:55 Startalk 21:00 War Book 23:00 Mousehunt 14:15 The Chase 03:50 Cesarʼs Recruit: Asia 23:00 The Bronx Bull 15:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 16:00 Donʼt Tell The Bride 17:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 17:50 Code Of A Killer 18:45 Emmerdale 19:15 Coronation Street 19:45 Coronation Street 20:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 21:00 Donʼt Tell The Bride 22:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Coronation Street

TESTAMENT OF YOUTH ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL

14:30 Storm Chasers 11:30 The Pioneer Woman 04:50 Calimero 11:35 Pair Of Kings 15:15 Mythbusters 12:00 Sibaʼs Table: Fast Feasts 05:05 Art Attack 12:30 Future-Worm! 00:10 Delinquent Gourmet 16:00 Doki 13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 12:55 Lab Rats 00:35 Saraʼs Australia Unveiled 16:20 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 14:00 Chopped 05:45 Zou 13:45 Atomic Puppet 01:00 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 16:45 Do You Know? 15:00 The Kitchen 06:00 Art Attack 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 01:25 A Is For Apple 17:00 NASAʼs Greatest Missions 16:00 Valerieʼs Home Cooking 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 14:15 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 01:50 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 02:15 Food School 17:50 NASAʼs Unexplained Files 17:00 Chopped 06:45 Loopdidoo Revolution 02:40 Whatʼs For Sale? 18:40 Nextworld 18:00 Iron Chef America 07:00 Zou 14:40 Supa Strikas 03:05 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 19:30 How Itʼs Made 19:00 Private Chef 07:15 Calimero 15:05 Lab Rats 03:30 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 19:55 How Itʼs Made 20:00 Patricia Heaton Parties 07:30 Loopdidoo 15:30 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty Adventure 21:00 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 07:45 Henry Hugglemonster Much Everything 20:20 Mythbusters 03:55 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 22:00 Iron Chef America 08:00 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 15:55 Danger Mouse 21:10 NASAʼs Greatest Missions Adventure 08:05 PJ Masks 16:25 K.C. Undercover 22:00 NASAʼs Unexplained Files 04:20 Grandmaʼs Boy 22:50 Destroyed In Seconds 08:15 Goldie & Bear 16:50 Future-Worm! 17:15 Gravity Falls 04:45 This Is Brazil 23:15 Destroyed In Seconds 08:30 Jake And The Neverland 05:35 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 23:40 Ultimate Survival Pirates 17:40 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:00 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 08:45 Miles From Tomorrow The Sea 18:10 Supa Strikas 08:55 Sofia The First 06:50 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 00:40 Mythbusters 18:35 Supa Strikas 09:20 Doc McStuffins 07:15 A Is For Apple 01:30 How Do They Do It? 19:00 Atomic Puppet 01:55 Food Factory 09:35 Goldie & Bear 07:40 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 19:25 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 02:20 How Things Work 09:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 08:05 Food School Much Everything 03:10 Weird Or What? 10:00 PJ Masks 08:30 Whatʼs For Sale? 10:15 Jake And The Neverland 19:55 K.C. Undercover 00:20 Wheeler Dealers 04:00 Prototype This 08:55 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 04:48 Mythbusters Pirates 20:20 Counterfeit Cat 01:10 Blowing Up History 09:20 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 05:36 How Things Work 10:30 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 20:45 Mighty Med Adventure 02:00 Mega Shippers 06:24 Weird Or What? 10:35 Sofia The First 21:10 Pickle And Peanut 09:45 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 02:50 Impossible Engineering 07:12 How Do They Do It? 11:30 Doc McStuffins 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse Adventure 03:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 07:36 Food Factory 12:20 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 21:45 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 10:10 Grandmaʼs Boy 04:30 The Liquidator 08:00 How Do They Do It? 13:15 Gummi Bears Revolution 10:35 This Is Brazil 05:00 How Do They Do It? 08:26 Weird Or What? 13:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:25 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 05:30 How Do They Do It? 09:14 Mythbusters 14:35 Jake And The Never Land 11:50 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 06:00 Deadliest Catch 10:02 Prototype This Pirates The Sea 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 10:50 How Do They Do It? 15:30 Little Mermaid 12:40 Arianaʼs Persian Kitchen 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 11:14 Food Factory 15:55 Unbungalievable 13:05 A Is For Apple 08:30 Boy To Man 11:38 How Things Work 16:00 Miles From Tomorrow 13:35 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 09:20 The Liquidator 12:26 Mythbusters 16:30 Jake And The Never Land 14:00 Jose Andres: Dinner In Haiti 09:45 How Do They Do It? 13:14 Weird Or What? Pirates 14:55 Tripping Out With Alie & 10:10 How Do They Do It? 14:02 How Do They Do It? 16:55 The Lion Guard 00:40 Obsession: Dark Desires Georgia 10:35 Blowing Up History 14:26 Food Factory 17:20 Goldie & Bear 01:30 Southern Fried Homicide 15:25 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 11:25 Mega Shippers 14:50 Prototype This 17:50 PJ Masks 02:20 Floridaʼs Craziest Crimes Adventure 12:15 Impossible Engineering 15:38 How Things Work 18:15 Sofia The First 03:10 Married With Secrets 16:20 Maximum Foodie 13:05 How Do They Do It? 16:26 Weird Or What? 18:40 Doc McStuffins 04:00 Obsession: Dark Desires 16:45 This Is Brazil 13:30 The Liquidator 17:14 Mythbusters 19:05 Jake And The Never Land 04:48 I Almost Got Away With It 17:40 Miguelʼs Tropical Kitchen 13:55 The Liquidator 18:02 Prototype This Pirates 05:36 On The Case With Paula 18:10 Charlie Luxtonʼs Homes By 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 18:50 Weird Or What? 19:30 Little Mermaid Zahn The Sea 15:10 Boy To Man 19:40 Mythbusters 20:00 Miles From Tomorrow 06:24 Love The Way You Lie 19:05 Tripping Out With Alie & 16:00 Deadliest Catch 20:30 The Quick And The Curious 21:00 Unbungalievable 07:12 Nightmare Next Door Georgia 16:50 Fast Nʼ Loud 20:55 Sci-Fi Science: Physics Of 21:05 Goldie & Bear 08:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 19:30 John Torodeʼs Malaysian 17:40 Wheeler Dealers The Impossible 21:35 Miles From Tomorrow 08:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (02/02/2017 TO 08/02/2017) SHARQIA-1 SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS 5:45 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 3:00 PM SPLIT 1:00 PM SPLIT 7:45 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 5:15 PM SPLIT 3:15 PM SPLIT 10:00 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 7:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 5:30 PM SPLIT 12:30 AM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter SPLIT 8:30 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:05 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:45 PM FANAR-2 SPLIT 12:45 AM LIVE BY NIGHT 12:45 PM AVENUES-1 RAHAF 1:30 PM DANGAL -Hindi 12:00 PM SHARQIA-2 FRI KAABIL- HINDI 3:15 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 12:15 PM LIVE BY NIGHT 3:30 PM JOMONTE SUVISHESHANGAL- Malayalam 6:15 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 2:30 PM LIVE BY NIGHT 6:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED KUNG-FU YOGA 4:45 PM RAHAF 8:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 6:00 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 7:00 PM RAHAF 10:30 PM SUN+TUE+WED KUNG-FU YOGA 9:15 PM LIVE BY NIGHT 12:15 AM DANGAL -Hindi 9:15 PM SPLIT 11:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 12:30 AM FANAR-3 SHARQIA-3 DANGAL -Hindi 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:30 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 2:45 PM MONSTER TRUCKS -3D -4DX 12:45 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 2:45 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 5:00 PM MONSTER TRUCKS -3D -4DX 3:00 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 5:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 7:15 PM MONSTER TRUCKS -3D -4DX 5:15 PM RAEES- HINDI 7:15 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 10:30 PM MONSTER TRUCKS -3D -4DX 7:30 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 10:15 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 10:00 PM RAEES- HINDI 12:30 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 12:15 AM FANAR-4 MUHALAB-1 KUNG-FU YOGA 11:45 AM AVENUES-3 DANGAL -Hindi 12:15 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 2:00 PM RAEES- HINDI 11:30 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:30 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 4:15 PM RAEES- HINDI 2:30 PM FRI KUNG-FU YOGA 6:30 PM RAEES- HINDI 5:30 PM RAEES- HINDI 3:30 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 8:45 PM RAEES- HINDI 8:30 PM RAEES- HINDI 6:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 11:00 PM RAEES- HINDI 11:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 9:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 AM SPLIT 11:30 PM 360º -1 FANAR-5 SPLIT 11:30 AM MUHALAB-2 RAEES- HINDI 12:00 PM SPLIT 1:45 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:15 PM RAEES- HINDI 3:00 PM SPLIT 4:15 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 2:30 PM KAABIL- HINDI 6:00 PM SPLIT 6:45 PM MONSTER TRUCKS 4:45 PM RAEES- HINDI 9:00 PM SPLIT 9:15 PM KAABIL- HINDI 7:00 PM RAEES- HINDI 12:05 AM SPLIT 11:45 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 10:00 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:15 AM MARINA-1 360º -2 RAEES- HINDI 12:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 1:15 PM MUHALAB-3 SPLIT 2:45 PM MOANA 1:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 11:30 AM RAEES- HINDI 5:00 PM FRI SPLIT 1:30 PM SPLIT 8:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 4:30 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 3:45 PM SPLIT 10:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 7:45 PM ACCOMMODATION KUNG-FU YOGA 6:00 PM SPLIT 12:30 AM DANGAL -Hindi 11:00 PM KUNG-FU YOGA 8:15 PM One room for rent in Hawally, SPLIT 10:30 PM MARINA-2 360º -3 kitchen and bathroom. Rent SPLIT 12:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 11:30 AM LIVE BY NIGHT 12:45 PM KD 120. Contact 66646229. KUNG-FU YOGA 1:30 PM SING 3:30 PM (C 5263) FANAR-1 KUNG-FU YOGA 3:45 PM SING 5:45 PM 31-1-2017 OZZY 11:30 AM KUNG-FU YOGA 6:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM THU+SAT+MON KUNG-FU YOGA 8:15 PM LIVE BY NIGHT 10:00 PM Sharing accommodation for SPLIT 11:30 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:30 PM LIVE BY NIGHT 12:45 AM Filipino Bachelor ONLY near xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:45 AM SUN+TUE+WED Big Jamiya Farwaniya. SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS 1:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 Available already, Contact OZZY 3:45 PM MARINA-3 SPLIT 12:45 PM RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter 12:45 PM SPLIT 3:00 PM 66826412 or 97512782

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Thursday 2/2/2017 BON 101 Sarajevo 13:30 Departure Flights on Thursday 2/2/2017 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 564 Amman 13:40 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 KAC 788 Jeddah 13:45 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 KAC 155 Istanbul 13:50 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 TXC 1622 IQA 14:00 KAC 102 London 00:55 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 MSC 411 Asyut 01:00 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 692 Muscat 14:30 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 MSC 412 Asyut 01:55 KAC 561 Amman 14:20 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 521 Al Najaf 14:45 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:25 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 BON 102 Sarajevo 14:55 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 FEG 932 Alexandria 14:55 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 FDB 8053 Dubai 15:15 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 KAC 286 Dhaka 15:20 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 15:20 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:05 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 542 Cairo 16:05 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 FDB 8054 Dubai 16:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 KAC 167 Paris 04:25 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 546 Cairo 03:55 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 MSC 501 Alexandria 04:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 MSC 502 Alexandria 05:05 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 PGT 4858 Istanbul 04:10 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 JAI 903 Delhi 05:15 KNE 532 Jeddah 16:55 JAI 904 Delhi 04:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 PGT 4859 Istanbul 05:45 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 KAC 118 New York 17:00 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 UAE 873 Dubai 04:55 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 FEG 933 Sohag 05:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 JZR 503 Luxor 05:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:35 JZR 529 Asyut 05:15 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 NIA 251 Alexandria 17:55 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 354 BLR 05:20 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 KAC 522 Al Najaf 18:25 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:20 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 JZR 238 Amman 07:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 06:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 BAW 157 London 06:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 07:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 18:25 QTR 8511 Doha 07:00 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 07:45 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 502 Beirut 19:30 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 18:55 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 JZR 554 Alexandria 18:55 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 411 Bangkok 08:20 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 168 Paris 19:55 KAC 541 Cairo 08:40 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 KAC 173 Munich 08:50 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 QTR 8512 Doha 09:00 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 KAC 691 Muscat 09:00 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 117 New York 09:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:35 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 101 London 09:35 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 TXC 1621 FJR 10:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 1543 Cairo 20:55 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 AVV 653 Sohag 10:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 619 Doha 21:20 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 KAC 774 Riyadh 11:05 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:10 FDK 801 Damascus 11:45 KAC 174 Munich 22:00 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 AVV 654 Asyut 11:10 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 NIA 151 Cairo 22:10 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 501 Beirut 11:55 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 JZR 239 Amman 12:45 AIC 981 Ahmedabad 22:25 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 KAC 156 Istanbul 23:25 FDK 802 Damascus 12:45 NIA 152 Cairo 23:10 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 stars34 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

CROSSWORD 1509 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Your energies are high through the end of this month for anything you Puzzling happening in the workplace has a way to perk up your interest want to accomplish. New ideas and technology are knocking at your door and you are this morning. Putting two and two together without saying much, you may be able to ready. You may even take it upon yourself to teach others about the new technologies- decipher or uncover the puzzle. Quiet and discreet conversation may open new doors of certainly, there should be a fee for your time. There is a feeling that nothing is impossible. opportunity. There is a chance to become more involved in electronics today. Neighbors You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others-you will enjoy your company later this afternoon. Community activities or a special interest know just what to do. Within the family unit, you could see changes for the positive in group offers enjoyable experiences this evening. Your love relationship can blossom the way that others look to you for answers; you are pleased. A blind date or a new friend when you share your hopes and your dreams with each other-plan for your futures this evening may prove to be the most enjoyable time you have had in a long while. together. This is a rewarding day. Keep looking to your higher self for answers and you There is plenty of laughter and sharing pleasant stories of years gone by. will be pleased by your progress. Home is where you find your heart.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Now is the best time to settle down and work side by side with others. Although much can be accomplished this day, an energetic person could Group meetings or department meetings may become necessary in order to create a test your concentration this morning. You might as well stop and answer questions or smoothly running business. This is one day where all efforts seem to work together for help guide someone with whatever they need; then you will be able to get back to your the better of the whole. It could be that some incentives have been added and a new own work. By the noon hour, a feeling of being rushed or stressed will pass. Take time to competition adds that extra push needed for success to be realized. Actions can speak smell the flowers during your noon break. Later this evening you can put your feet up louder than words and your positive actions can be as attractive as honey is to flies! A and relax. The result of what you do when a difficulty arises is not what you gain in atten- young person is impressed by your ability to work through difficulties quickly-you find tion by being able to solve the issue, but in how you grow and gain through the experi- the truth of a matter and have practical answers. Keep your eye on the personal goals of ence. Work, respect, status and achievement are central goals for you as a new phase love and happiness with your special love-give away a pat on the back. begins in your life. Indulge yourself in a favorite hobby this evening.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Be mindful not to appear too independent. Every person deserves a listen- Work routine is exasperating and you are not alone. Although you may not ing ear-if not for the positive aspects, then for awareness. When people ask want to continue to be a cog on a wheel, so to speak, you take on an atti- you for advice, you show the kindness and patience you expect in return. The middle of tude of good sportsmanship. You may notice later today that a joint financial venture is ACROSS 3. Someone who works (or provides work- this week is a little frantic in that there are plenty of sales and new merchandise to show bound for success. You have chosen your associates or friends well. Ideas and interaction 1. (computer science) The rate at which ers) during a strike. the public. Everyone wants to try on clothes and it may be difficult to get all the mer- with authority figures will get more attention this afternoon. Your directional abilities are data is transferred (as by a modem). 4. Acute delirium caused by alcohol poison- chandise back into neat piles. This is a problem from time to time but today seems to be in high focus and someone is watching. Working with-rather than against-the flow should 4. Trade name for a drug containing an anti- ing. an extra push for neatness. Visiting executives want to see how quickly the merchandise be easy to do. Lovers, children and other people or things dear to your heart are empha- histamine and a decongestant. 5. Genus of tropical American herbs or sub- is moving. After work your life may take on a kind of mystical quality. Dreams and illu- sized this evening. A relaxed attitude with the family creates a good bonding time. There 12. A constellation in the southern hemi- shrubs. sions, forgiveness and understanding are the things that arouse deep feelings. is talk of selling or buying property and you see a long financial drought ending. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 6. United States playwright (born in 1947). 15. Resinlike substance secreted by certain 7. A legally binding command or decision lac insects. entered on the court record (as if issued by 16. One who attacks the reputation of a court or judge). Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) another by slander or libel. 8. A large cask especially one holding a vol- Challenges are likely this day-and they are not all bad. You have the knowl- 17. An anxiety disorder characterized by ume equivalent to 2 butts or 252 gals. You enjoy a supportive partner and your close family members. After a good chronic free-floating anxiety and such edge that will help you to gain the speed needed to reach a deadline or breakfast, most any problem this day will find an easy solution through your 9. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug avoid a calamity. You have special abilities that will help you accomplish your goals. symptoms as tension or sweating or trem- perception. This is a positive time to obtain a loan, take a vacation, start a diet or begin a (trade names Acular and Toradol) that is During your noon break, spend some time in the library or walk around the block to dif- business of your own. New beginnings are important now and getting serious about tak- bling of light-headedness or irritability etc administered only intramuscularly. fuse any frustrations. The afternoon is much smoother with regard to accomplishments. ing care of yourself with regard to mind and body is of interest to you as well. Letting go of that has lasted for more than six months. 10. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- You realize you have grown when you see how much less time you are willing to spend past grievances is a key to peace of mind. There is a greater recognition of your psychic 18. A loose sleeveless outer garment made alling). in a negative situation-congratulations! Situations will unfold and can be understood and spiritual growth as well as the ability to listen to that small inner voice that guides you. from aba cloth. 11. Deliver a sermon. easily. Someone proves to be very understanding. You will want to take an attitude of Time is passing and you are sensing the importance in getting serious with plans you have 19. Partially clothed. 12. (informal British usage) Aggravation or gratitude this evening so that you can leave any problems from work, at work. for a secure future. A networking opportunity is successful tonight. 20. Former measure of the US economy. aggression. 21. A small cake leavened with yeast. 13. (the feminine of raja) A Hindu princess 23. (of champagne) Moderately dry. or the wife of a raja. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. Genus of perennial North American 14. A system of one or more computers and Leo (July 23-August 22) herbs with aromatic usually cormous roots. associated software with common storage. A quiz may take place this morning and the game triggers memories or 26. A bachelor's degree in literature. 22. Make less active or intense. thoughts about your belief system. You would do well to work as a lawyer, child advocate 28. A town and port in northwestern Israel 25. Of or relating to or characteristic of Social events involving both old and new friends could prove especially satisfying at this or a private detective. Soon you will have a mystery to solve and you will be asked to keep in the eastern Mediterranean. Thailand of its people. time, Leo. You will be able to catch up with those you haven't seen for a while. You a secret until the time comes to reveal the truth or your sources. Your belief system keeps 29. An ancient country is southwestern Asia 27. On the left-hand side of a vessel or air- might also be introduced to new people who prove valuable business contacts in the you true to your word and you are a strong advocate for some political or legal issue. Your on the east coast of the Mediterranean. craft when facing forward. future. Expect good news, stimulating conversation, and a lot of reminiscing about the passion is strong. Express yourself in your art or hobby; you will find this effort a great way to expel some of the stresses that accumulate with the types of responsibilities you have. 32. Capital and largest city of the Czech 30. Small space in a tissue or part such as past with warm and congenial companions. Republic. the area between veins on a leaf or an Perhaps as you refinish a piece of furniture you learn the art of patience. People want to take pictures this evening. 35. Of or relating to or characteristic of insect's wing. Eritrea or its people. 31. Being ten more than eighty. 38. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a 33. Capital of the state of Oregon in the mosque. northwestern part of the state on the Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 40. The brightest star in Cygnus. Willamette River. 41. Any of numerous local fertility and 34. Any of a class of organic compounds Forgiveness and understanding human weakness may arouse deep feel- nature deities worshipped by ancient Your empathy, intuition and attentiveness is in sync with the world and that contain the divalent radical -CONHCO-. ings. The past and the future combine and the stumbling blocks between people dissolve. Semitic peoples. ready to be helpful. Your life takes on a kind of growth at the emotional level now. 36. (usually followed by `to') Having the Dreams, forgiveness and the understanding of human weaknesses arouse deep feelings. This is a key to understanding and it brings about a greater psychic and spiritual sensitivity 45. American prizefighter who won the necessary means or skill or know-how or now. Your own inner need for change and growth may be threatened by someone older world heavyweight championship three The business that you are in at this time may depend on others to sustain you. This could authority to do something. mean your work is charitable or perhaps political. So much depends on how you sell or by circumstances. You are able to put things on hold in order to get a better grasp on times (born in 1942). 37. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of what you represent. However, you believe in what or who you represent and could help the real truth. There could be some underhanded goings-on behind the scenes at work 46. Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary. the alkali metal group. make this world a much better place. Never fear . . . You are doing a good job. The past and you will be wise to avoid being in the path of this development. You have lots of ener- 47. A slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable 39. Produced by a manufacturing process. and the future seem to come together in order to bring about a healing this afternoon. gy to accomplish your own goals. Keep up the good work and maintain good health by substance not miscible with water. 42. A public promotion of some product or Your loved one sees who you are and expresses deep appreciation of you. eating high-protein, low-fat foods. 49. Unrestrained by convention or morality. service. 52. A cephalosporin antibiotic (trade name 43. A chronic inflammatory collagen dis- Ultracef). ease affecting connective tissue (skin or 55. Usually elongate cluster of flowers Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution joints). along the main stem in which the flowers at 44. Any of numerous low-growing cushion- the base open first. forming plants of the genus Draba having 56. English writer of detective fiction (1893- rosette-forming leaves and terminal 1957). 57. A unit of weight used in some Spanish racemes of small flowers with scapose or speaking countries. leafy stems. 59. Be compatible or in accordance with. 48. A gonadotropic hormone that is secret- 61. A city in western Germany near the ed by the anterior pituitary. Dutch and Belgian borders. 50. An utterance expressing pain or disap- 65. Assist or encourage, usually in some proval. wrongdoing. 51. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of 68. A switch made from the stems of the the genus Acacia. rattan palms. 53. A long noosed rope used to catch ani- 70. The villain in William Shakespeare's mals. tragedy who tricked Othello into murdering 54. The English physicist nd chemist who his wife. discovered electromagnetic induction 71. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked (1791-1867). on a skewer usually with vegetables. 58. Small genus of mediterranean shrubs. 73. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 60. Remove from memory or existence. 74. Formerly a large constellation in the 62. United States comedian. southern hemisphere between Canis Major 63. Moth having nonfunctional mouthparts and the Southern Cross. as adults. 75. A rapid bustling commotion. 64. A trap for birds or small mammals. 76. Of or relating to or characteristic of 66. English monk and scholar (672-735). Assam or its people or culture. 67. Very dark black. 80. The foot of a human being. 69. Chief port of Yemen. 81. (British) Your grandmother. 72. The cry made by sheep. 82. Temporary cessation or suspension. 77. A metallic element having four allotrop- 83. A metal-bearing mineral valuable ic forms. enough to be mined. 78. A white trivalent metallic element. 79. The branch of engineering science that DOWN studies the uses of electricity and the 1. Divulge information or secrets. equipment for power generation and distri- 2. A metabolic acid found in yeast and bution and the control of machines and liver cells. communication.

Yesterday’s Solution

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MUSIC & MOVIES Pharrell Williams' wife has given birth to triplets

he 'Happy' hitmaker and spouse Helen music producer previously opened up his family because the ocean is what we all live off - it's our Lasichanh - who also have son Rocket, life, revealing he loves spending time in the sea everything and we cannot afford to hurt it." And Teight, together - welcomed three babies in his hometown of Miami. Pharrell also previously opened up about why him into the world earlier this month, a spokesperson Writing a piece to mark World Oceans Day, he and Helen chose to name their son Rocket. He said: for the singer has confirmed to Vanity Fair. The shared: "Of all the elements, the one I identify most "In the same way the Indians named their children representative declined to reveal the gender or with is water. I grew up in Virginia Beach. I live in after a force or animal or element, we named him names of the tots, but said the family are all Miami. I love boats and I adore being out in the after a man-made machine that was meant to go "healthy and happy". In September, Helen's grow- ocean - it's the best feeling in the world. up, meant to ascend."— Bang Showbiz ing baby bump was spotted at a Chanel's No 5 Sometimes I feel like I live on water. Most of my L'Eau fragrance party in Los Angeles, but there ideas come to me in the shower and the sea always In this file photo, from left, Helen Lasichanh, her husband, Pharrell Williams, and French was no indication at the time that the pair were inspires my work. So you can see why water is a actress Isabelle Huppert attend the Chanel's Fall-winter 2016-2017 ready to wear collec- expecting triplets. Meanwhile, the 43-year-old huge inspiration to me. It's important for us to act tion presented in Paris. — AP Johnny Depp almost ruined by lavish spending: Lawsuit

ohnny Depp's lavish spending-including $3 million to blast author Hunter S Thompson's This file photo shows Johnny Depp, Jashes from a cannon led him to the brink of guitarist of US band Hollywood financial ruin, according to an explosive lawsuit Vampires, performing at the Rock in filed Tuesday. Over the best part of two decades, Rio Lisboa music festival at Bela the 53-year-old actor has been spending $2 million Vista Park in Lisbon. — AFP a month, according to The Management Group (TMG), which is suing the star in Los Angeles for an unpaid loan. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor is alleged to have forked out $75 million on 14 homes, including a 45-acre (18-hectare) French cas- tle, a chain of Bahaman islands, several Hollywood homes, penthouse lofts in downtown LA and a This file photo shows Hong Kong democracy campaigner Joshua Wong (center) speaking horse farm in Kentucky. during a press conference upon his arrival at the international airport in Hong Kong, Since 2000, the Oscar-nominated actor has after being deported from junta-run Thailand. — AFP spent $18 million on a yacht, bought 45 luxury cars and shelled out almost $700,000 a month on wine, private planes and a staff of 40 people, according Joshua, the Hong Kong teen to the lawsuit. Beverly Hills-based TMG says Depp has accrued more than 200 artworks by Warhol, Klimt and other masters, 70 collectible guitars and Depp's bank demanded repayment of a multimil- closure proceedings on Depp's property. "The only taking on the might of China a Hollywood memorabilia collection so extensive it lion-dollar loan and Depp didn't have the money, reason Depp filed this lawsuit was to interfere with is stored in 12 locations. the company loaned it to him so that he would TMG's ongoing efforts to be repaid on the loan Depp filed his own $25 million suit on January avoid a humiliating financial crisis." they had made to bail him out," TMG said. Depp scrawny millennial with gaunt features nascent "Umbrella Movement" its banal yet 13 accusing TMG of mismanaging his finances, tak- TMG says it repeatedly warned Depp over his and actress Amber Heard, 30, reached an out-of- and a studious frown, Joshua Wong iconic symbol of resistance. Galvanized by ing out loans without his approval, and concealing "wanton" overspending, but he responded by court settlement in August to end their 18-month looks like he'd struggle to take on a Wong's passion, the Umbrella Movement his ruinous finances. "Over 17 years, The rebuking his business managers, increasing his marriage, agreeing that he would pay her $7 mil- A Management Group did everything possible to large steak, let alone the might of Communist made headlines around the world, but was spending and demanding they find some way to lion. — AFP China. Yet the bespectacled activist is the ultimately unable to shake up Hong Kong protect the actor from himself," TMG attorney pay for it. The firm, fired by Depp last year, says it is unlikely hero to a generation in Hong Kong, politics after weeks of protest. Michael Kump said in a statement. "In fact, when owed $4.2 million and was forced to launch fore- where he led a movement inspiring hundreds Wong continues to campaign under the of thousands to join his cause for elections banner of a new political party, Demosisto, free from Beijing's interference. At the age of for a referendum to determine who will rule just 17, he spearheaded mass blockades that Hong Kong after the "one party, two systems" brought parts of the Asian financial center to principle codified in Chinese agreements with a standstill in 2014, sparked by restrictions Britain expires in 30 years. "I'm still hopeful from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader for the young generation here. In Hong Kong, will be chosen. more young people may be legislators in the Hailed as one of the world's most influen- future. I would say that this is just a starting tial figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign point," Wong said. Policy magazines, he is now the focus of an award-winning Netflix documentary due for 'That's my life' release later this year. "We hope people Born to middle class Christian parents around the world recognize that social move- Grace and Roger Wong in 1996, Wong began ments can make things happen. They can his life of activism at age 13 with a protest make things change," Wong, now 20, told AFP against plans for a high-speed rail link by telephone from Hong Kong. "People may between Hong Kong and the mainland. It was This image released by Magnolia Pictures shows people gathering at the This image released by Magnolia Pictures shows James Baldwin, center, in be depressed or downhearted with the politi- here that Piscatella's producer, documentary Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington, featured in the film, "I Am "I Am Not Your Negro." — AP photos cal situation in their own country, but it's still filmmaker Matthew Torne, first encountered Not Your Negro." optimistic to see hope and seek change by Wong and, seeing something extraordinary in street activism." "Joshua: Teenager vs. the youngster, started his camera rolling. "The Superpower" tells the story of how Wong first time I met Joshua, I was in awe... He's became one of China's most notorious dissi- kind of a conundrum in that, when he walks Review: 'I Am Not Your Negro' is radical and of the moment dents after the mainland Communist Party into a room, he's not somebody you notice backtracked on its promise of autonomy to right away," Piscatella said. omewhat deep into the searing and utterly Jackson) from "Remember This House" and archival told by police that, justly or not, he will likely be Hong Kong. "You give him a microphone and a bull- necessary documentary "I Am Not Your footage of various speeches and interviews to cre- accused of raping and murdering a local girl in horn and there's a change in him where sud- Negro," director Raoul Peck overlays audio ate an urgent narrative of race in America that "They Won't Forget," or a light-skinned girl denly he just becomes this other person S 'David and Goliath' from a 1960 US Government film "The Land We encompasses past and present. Baldwin was writ- (Dorothy Black) getting "exposed" as black to her Critics say the 79-minute documentary where he's passionate and has this ability to Love," in which the narrator extols the virtues of ing and speaking about his time, his friends and white classmates when her mother (Louise could not have picked a better moment, with connect with a large group of people." America and the freedoms afforded all citizens, their moment, but his ideas and truths transcend Beavers) comes to pick her up from school in John political engagement piqued in the West as "Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower" was with images from the 1965 Watts Riots. While the the specificity of the 1960s. It makes sense when M. Stahl's "Imitation of Life." But perhaps some of protesters take to the streets to decry the picked up by Netflix and awarded the audi- juxtaposition might not be a revolutionary tech- Peck fast-forwards to images of Tamir Rice, Trayvon the most powerful moments come just from policies of new US leader Donald Trump. "You ence prize at this year's Sundance Film nique to convey incongruities, in this film it cap- Martin and Amir Brooks, or headlines about mass watching Baldwin himself - so eloquent and per- have a lone teenager taking on China and it's Festival, where Wong attended screenings, tures the sum of the essential American hypocrisy: shootings. ceptive and so misunderstood by those around one of the things that attracted me to the sto- describing the support for the film as "unbe- Black people suffer while the white people play. him - whether speaking to Dick Cavett on national ry. The odds don't get much bigger. Talk lievable." Peck's restraint to build to and save that gut Undeniable indictment television or standing in the front of a banquet hall. about David and Goliath," Los Angeles-based Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, punch for a moment when he's certain the audi- "History is not the past, it's the present," Jackson His eyes get wide and large with urgency as he director Joe Piscatella said in an interview. At Wong has been denied entry into Malaysia ence can comprehend not just the images but the says for Baldwin. "We are our history." Using explains his ideas. His forehead crinkles when the age of just 14, Wong campaigned suc- and Thailand, attacked in the street and ideas behind it, is a testament to the studied excel- Baldwin's words and ideas as a guide, Peck seam- someone else tries to tell him he's got his own cessfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But lence of the film. It is not only a must see, but one lessly connects segregation, civil rights and Black experience wrong. "National Education" program, rallying a he takes it all in his stride. "That's my life," he that should be studied and absorbed over many Lives Matter while also offering a radical and unde- Baldwin's words, Jackson's reading and Peck's crowd of 120,000 to his cause. shrugs, describing the drawbacks of his high viewings. "I Am Not Your Negro" is inspired and niable indictment of the way in which media can elegant and scorching composition will resonate He was one of the 78 people arrested in profile, with a quiet insouciance, as "inconve- informed by "Remember This House," an unfinished poison a populace, whether through the distrac- for years to come. "I Am Not Your Negro," a September 2014 during another giant pro- nient" and vowing to fight on. "We didn't win manuscript by James Baldwin in which he aspired tions of mindless reality television or the not-so- Magnolia Pictures release, is rated PG-13 by the democracy protest after China reneged on a in the last battle," he said, "but I'm still opti- to tell the story of America through the death of subtle othering of black people in films that made Motion Picture Association of America for "disturb- pledge made during the handover to give mistic for winning in the final war." — AFP three friends - Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Baldwin feel "outside the system of reality." "I Am ing violent images, thematic material, language Hong Kongers the right to choose their next Luther King Jr. Baldwin had written only 30 pages Not Your Negro" being a film makes Baldwin's criti- and brief nudity." Running time: 95 minutes. Four leader. Umbrellas were used to shield activists before his own death in 1987. cisms of the medium even more powerful. stars out of four. — AP from waves of police pepper spray, giving the Peck uses Baldwin's words (read by Samuel L We get to see the terrified black janitor being Video game cache serves as an archive, at play

he University of Michigan collects video games. Lots of History of computer which account for about half of its holdings. While it would be them. The Ann Arbor university's Computer and Video The restaurant employee from Ann Arbor stops by three or nice to fill the archive's shelves with every video game ever TGame Archive features over 7,000 titles - everything four times a week, sometimes before heading to work. During made, budgetary considerations and the rapid-fire release of from time-honored favorites such as "Pac-Man" and "Frogger" a recent visit, Bolen fired up "League of Legends," an online new titles make that an unrealistic collection strategy. "We to newer fare, including "Call of Duty" and "Halo"- on dozens fantasy game, on one of the archive's PCs. "It's kind of awe- can't have everything in here," Carter said. "But I want to have of gaming systems. Now in its 10th year, the CVGA collects some that the video game archive here just has pretty much a good, broad representation of the different types of games video games in the same way that other archives pursue anything you can think of," Bolen said. "Any game you'd really that are out there." It's not all fun and games, however. books, journals or historical artifacts. want to play, you can play." Instructors hold class sessions there, and several student "It's important to have an archive like this, because games Initially situated on the second floor of the Duderstadt researchers have used the Forza racing game series to study are part of our culture," said Dave Carter, who got it up and Center, which houses U-M's art, architecture and engineering texting while driving. An instructor in the history department running in 2008. Carter, who serves as a reference services library, the archive moved in 2011 to a bigger space in the teaching a class on Samurai brought students to the archive librarian and the CVGA's archivist, previously was a lecturer at basement. Approach the archive's desk, hand the attendant to explore ways the members of the hereditary warrior class in Michigan's School of Information and is trained as an electri- an ID - student or otherwise - and the whole history of com- feudal Japan are depicted in games. "Like all things of popular cal engineer, specializing in optics and radio waves. He's also a puter gaming becomes available. Visitors can play on every- culture, eventually people want to study it seriously. And you lifelong video game fan, having made frequent use of an Atari thing from an Atari or a Commodore 64 to a Playstation 4 or never think of collecting that stuff when it was first coming 2600 as a kid. an Xbox 360. Gamers are asked to keep it down while they out," Carter said. — AP "If you'd told 12-year-old me that this would be part of my play in the CVGA's main area Monday through Thursday, but job growing up, I'd think that was pretty cool," he said with a managers don't enforce low sound levels as strictly on Friday. smile. The archive is open to anyone - students and members of the public alike. Carter said he can't speak about what other Hereditary warrior Video games are shelved at the video game archives around the US are doing, but that "we That's the day visitors can play one of the archive's most Computer and Video Game were certainly one of the first that opened our doors to allow popular games, "Super Smash Bros." The archive is funded by Archive at the Duderstadt Center people to come in and use the game on their own." People the University of Michigan Library System and has a budget to at the University of Michigan in like Jeremy Bolen. buy games as they're released. It also accepts donations, Ann Arbor, Mich. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 lifestyle

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Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe walking to a home to commemorate the one- Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe (right) speaking to relatives during the one- Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe chanting sutras to commemorate the one- year anniversary of a woman's death in Funabashi, Chiba prefecture, a suburb year anniversary of a woman's death at her home. year anniversary of a woman's death. of Tokyo. — AFP photos 'Rent-a-monk' biz thrives as Japan loses temple ties

n a quiet room thick with the smell of incense, Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe chants sutras to commemorate Ithe one-year anniversary of a woman's death. The 41- year-old may look like a traditional holy man in Japan-but he wasn't dispatched by a temple. Instead, the family ordered him through a fast-growing rent-a-monk business that has angered traditionalists who warn it is commercializ- ing the religion. Watanabe's employer, Tokyo-based firm Minrevi, said demand for its monk delivery service has spiked since it started in May 2013, as more and more Japanese lose their ties to local temples-and lose faith in an opaque donation system. The monk later rings a small traditional bell and bows to relatives as the 30-minute ceremony winds down at the grieving family's home near Tokyo. "There are many temples in the neighborhood, but I didn't know where to call," said the deceased woman's middle-aged son, who asked not to be named. "Also, I have no idea how much I should donate. But this has a clear pricing system." At the click of a mouse, customers Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe (center) chanting sutras to commemorate the one-year anniversary of a Buddhist monk Kaichi Watanabe ringing a traditional bell can hire a monk from Minrevi from 35,000 yen($300) depend- woman's death. while chanting sutras to commemorate the one-year ing on the ceremony. Retailing giant Aeon sent shockwaves anniversary of a woman's death at her home. through Buddhist circles in 2010 when it started a service that amounts of money at memorial services, hurting public trust. regularly visited a temple, said the business is just a sign of the had a price list for introducing customers to temples for funer- "Japanese have maintained ties with temples because of "That ignores the spirit of donations," Iwagumi said, noting times. "I was shocked when I first learned that some people al services. The open pricing flew in the face of longstanding funerals and other types of community-related events, not for that monks are not supposed to expect financial rewards for didn't know how to contact a monk," he said. "So I wanted to system in which monks collect donations, known as ofuse, in religious reasons," he added. "Buddhist leaders now have to performing their duties. be that bridge." return for performing ceremonies. But there has been grow- think how they're going to run their sects with shrinking rev- Aeon's fledgling operation outraged the federation, ing unease about the murky system which leaves the amount enues. But it seems like they don't want to look at the reality." which demanded it take down the price list. The company Community ties up to families, who have to make several more donations after Watanabe, who conducted the service near Tokyo, doesn't see complied but still runs its service. Earlier this year, the feder- The Japanese government does not keep track of the reli- a funeral for more than a decade. a clash between the business and spiritual aspects of his job. ation also blasted online retailer Amazon for listing gious identification of citizens, but participation in rituals "I want to spread the teachings of Buddhism," he said. "This Minrevi's monk-renting service. "They have commodified related to both Buddhism as well as native Shintoism-the 'Commodified donations' service gives us more opportunity to visit homes. I think it's donations. This is extremely unfortunate," Iwagami said. But two major religions in the country-is common across the Japan's Buddhist temples count on donations to do reno- meaningless if we cannot be there to help."— AFP Minrevi's vice-president Masashi Akita brushed off the criti- nation. Some firms also offer Shinto priests' services. But vations, which can cost several million dollars, but there has cism, saying the company is just offering a "platform" to attachment to religion has fallen into decline. As the popula- been criticism that they're more interested in raising revenue connect customers with monks. tion rapidly ages and small rural communities shrink, some than offering spiritual guidance. Chiko Iwagami, an executive The firm has a roster of about 700 monks nationwide with 30 percent of Japan's 75,000 Buddhist temples are at risk of member of the Japan Buddhist Federation, acknowledged business on track to grow by 20 percent this year, he added. closing by 2040, said Kenji Ishii, a professor of religion at that some monks have improperly demanded specific Akita, who grew up in rural community where his neighbors Kokugakuin University in Tokyo. Cruise news for 2017: Alaska boom, more in-depth experiences

demand for more in-depth experiences - that will include Carnival Cruise Line's first-ever call Princess is expanding Discovery at Sea offerings for from learning how to scuba dive to dining in at Icy Strait Point. Crystal Cruises, which last sum- kids with new programming such as MythBusters Aa private home in port - are shaping what's mer sailed the largest luxury passenger vessel ever science activities and destination-themed pro- new in the cruise industry this year. Other cruise through the Northwest Passage, offers a repeat trip grams on culture and nature. Princess is also featur- news: a boom in Alaska trips, a few precious sail- from Anchorage on Aug 15. In 2018, Norwegian ing a new show, "Born to Dance," produced with ings to Cuba and potentially game-changing new Cruise Line will launch Norwegian Bliss, a ship cus- famed composer Stephen Schwartz, paying tribute technology. tom-built for Alaska trips. to Broadway's greatest choreographers and dancers. High seas, high tech Cuba Holland America Line's new programs include Princess Cruises will debut a coin-sized medal- Long-term prospects for travel from the U.S. to cooking shows and workshops in partnership with lion in November aboard the Regal Princess that Cuba remain uncertain under the new presidential "America's Test Kitchen," plus Rijksmuseum at Sea, This undated image provided by Crystal Cruises shows a Boeing 777 that the cruise line could dramatically change guest experiences. administration. But for now, a number of cruises with interactive displays about the famed will use to take guests on a luxurious 29-day trip around the world. Passengers will carry or wear the medallion, which are scheduled through spring. Havana is on the Amsterdam museum as a tie-in to the cruise line's will direct them to their cabins, unlock their doors itinerary for sailings from Florida in April and May Dutch heritage. HAL has also just rolled out a part- as they approach and alert crew members to their aboard Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas, and nership with BBC Earth, with games, activities and schedules and preferences, whether it's a class in May on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. live concerts during screenings showing wildlife they've signed up for or a favorite cocktail. It will The Fathom brand continues seven-night sailings and wilderness. Norwegian Cruise Line has opened also streamline getting on and off the ship. to Cuba every other week through May. a new private destination in southern Belize called Harvest Caye with a beach, villas for daily rental, a Alaska New experiences onboard and onshore lagoon for canoeing and kayaking, and Alaska expects 1.06 million cruise passengers Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line offering "Flighthouse" with a zip line, ropes course and this year, likely breaking its 2008 record of 1.03 mil- scuba-diving certification through the Professional more. The port also makes it easy for guests to lion visits. The Alaska Travel Industry Association Association of Diving Instructors. Passengers begin explore Belize on shore excursions. says larger ships are bringing more visitors, and the course at home online, continue lessons in a Cunard's Queen Mary 2 this year offers trans- destinations like Sitka, Juneau and Icy Strait Point ship pool and finish with four mandatory open- Atlantic cruises themed on space exploration and have built out piers to accommodate bigger ves- water dives in ports of call. Carnival Cruise Line is fashion. Disney Cruise Line will offer Marvel Day at sels. Smaller ships are simultaneously expanding offering longer sailings of nine to 15 days with Sea programs featuring Marvel Comics characters service, specializing in more remote destinations options for more immersive and adventurous in activities, shows, parties and films on seven sail- the bigger ships can't reach. experiences beyond beaches and bars. Passengers ings on Disney Magic from New York City this fall. Holland America Line marks its 70th year of might visit a school in Mexico or get a home- exploring Alaska with the redeployment of its cooked meal at a private house in Jamaica. "People New ships Oosterdam ship from Europe to Alaska. Seabourn, are looking for meaningful experiences," said In November, Royal Caribbean debuted the a small-ship line, returns to Alaska in June for the Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer De La Cruz. world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, first time in 15 years. Lindblad launches a new ship, MSC Cruises launches a wellness experience in with a 5,479-passenger capacity, two 10-story National Geographic Quest, whose itineraries will April with personalized health assessments and fit- enclosed dry slides and an escape game room. This include Alaska. Carnival Miracle will do a 14-day ness programs, along with a Weight Watchers year Viking Cruises adds two more ocean-going round-trip to Alaska from Long Beach, California, cruise from Miami to the Caribbean in May. ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sun, with the Sun A live concert aboard the cruise line's Koningsdam ship while footage from BBC Earth of embarking on Viking's first-ever world cruise, 141 wildlife and wilderness in the polar regions is shown on a screen behind the musicians. days long, in December. Viking is also adding two new river ships, Viking Herja and Viking Hild. Crystal Cruises not only launches two new river ships this summer, Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, but the cruise line is debuting AirCruises on a pri- vate Boeing jet that will take guests around the world, starting with a 27-day, $159,000 trip. "The world is getting wealthier and the wealthy want to travel," said Crystal CEO Edie Rodriguez. Silversea Cruises launches Silver Muse in April with eight dining venues including a jazz club and Hot Rocks, where guests can cook their own meat, fish and vegetables tableside. Silversea's refurbish- ment of Silver Cloud as an ice-class expedition ship will be done in November, in time for 11 Antarctic and eight Arctic trips in 2018. In July, American Queen Steamboat launches American Duchess, the first contemporary boutique paddle-wheeler vessel built for Mississippi River cruises. The company already operates American Queen on the Mississippi and American Empress in the Pacific Northwest. — AP

This file photo, shows the Adonia cruise ship arriving in Havana, Cuba, from Miami. This file photo, shows a cruise ship docked in Juneau, Alaska, while a paraglider soars above. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

FEATURES

Fashion designer Nick Graham, left, appears with his guest models, astronaut Former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot on Apollo 11 and second man to walk on the Bill Nye appears in the show for fashion designer Nick Buzz Aldrin, center, and Bill Nye, star of TV's "Science Guy," after unveiling his Moon, walks the runway during the Nick Graham fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Graham's latest collection during men's Fashion Week in Mars-themed collection during men's Fashion Week in New York. — AP photos New York. At Men's Fashion Week, a collection was out of this world

nspiration for one elegant collection at Men's Fashion Week in New York came Ifrom heaven. Actually, further than that. Designer Nick Graham sent his mod- els down a runway Tuesday in sharkskin suits, metallic rainwear and scarfs adorned with tiny spaceships in a whimsi- cal bid to elegantly dress any gentlemen who manages to get to Mars. There were suits in houndstooth, tat- tersall and green plaid, black turtlenecks, paisley scarfs, polka-dot pocket squares, snug tuxedos and metallic neckties. There was a "Martian rubber coat," but it was unclear how it might handle Mars' 80- degree F. average temperature. One mod- el carried a silver briefcase. Another had goggles. All had discreet blinking lights as boutonnieres. Graham, the Joe Boxer founder who launched his first epony- mous brand in 2014, called his models "astronauts," blasted David Bowie's "Life On Mars" and introduced the crowd to two science stars - former astronaut Buzz Aldrin and the scientist, author and TV personality Bill Nye. Nye opened the show with an impas- sioned speech embracing space explo- Fashion from the Nick Graham collection is modeled during men's Fashion Week, Tuesday in New York. ration and technological breakthroughs. "What keeps the United States in the game economically is our ability to inno- vate," he said, against massive projections of Mars topography. Backstage, he made the connection between fashion and sci- ence: "They're both the expressions of human minds. What we love as humans is art and science. We don't have to pick - we combine them." Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, earned cheers from the several hundred who attended the show in a hulking empty warehouse when he appeared to moonwalk down the catwalk in a silver bomber jacket and sneakers. After the show, he embraced the pro-science bent of the fashion show. "I have to tell the president that explo- ration inspires more than fixing pot- holes."-AP

Quilling: Paper craft lends elegance to Valentine's cards

ant to add a little panache to your known as paper filigree - doesn't require any oped over time, such as delicately cut and "Hundreds of years ago, quilling was Valentine's Day cards? Learn how to special tools to get started. It's essentially the curled or fringed flowers. done by people who wanted to make deco- Wroll a few quilling shapes - hearts, rolling of narrow strips of paper to make sim- A quilled card that she received several rative things for their homes," says Hannah teardrops and petals, for starters - to convey ple shapes for use in artwork and handmade years ago fascinated Kari Cronbaugh-Auld of Milman, a Martha Stewart Living contribut- your love. Quilling - an ancient craft also cards. Complementary techniques have devel- Olathe, Kansas, so she got to experimenting - ing editor. "Paper was precious. I'm sure and then perfecting - her craft. Today, she sells every scrap was kept." Decades before she handmade cards and other gifts at her online wrote about quilling for Martha Stewart Etsy shop, Quillique. Wedding invitations Living magazine, Milman quilled paper framed by intricate, quilled details are a top beads as a child. She strung them on elastic seller for her. "It looks easy, but it's time-inten- thread to make necklaces. sive," says Cronbaugh-Auld, a social worker "I never knew it was quilling," Milman and grant writer who quills in her spare time. recalls. "I just did this instinctively, and I'm sure A simple Valentine's Day card - one heart or a a lot of people did this around the world." few scrolls - is a good project for beginners. Milman fondly recalls using the glossy pages Cronbaugh-Auld, who is self-taught, recom- of her parents' New Yorker magazines. mends picking up a quilling kit at a craft store "It was such perfect paper and smooth. It and watching tutorials on YouTube. Quilling rolled up really well," she says. A reuse-and- books include supply lists and basic techniques. recycle advocate, Milman recommends cut- Quilling paper and equipment, such as a ting one's own quilling strips - 1/8-inch and slotted tool - the slot at the tip helps start 1/4-inch widths are common - with scissors, paper rolling - are sold at craft stores. paper cutter or shredder. Scrapbook and con- Beginners also need fine-tipped tweezers and struction papers are too thick, but simple craft glue that dries clear and quickly. And white craft paper works well, Milman says. that's about it. After all, none of these supplies ironwork patterns of the day. Dye it, splatter it with paint - make it your were even available to the Renaissance monks During the Victorian era, well-heeled young own. "It looks amazing, really elegant," and nuns who decorated holy pictures and ladies learned quilling in addition to needle- Milman says. — AP relic vessels with the precious strips of gold- work. The craft traveled to the Americas, edged paper that resulted from bookmaking. where it was used to decorate cabinets, crib- Their paper filigree - created by wrapping thin bage boards and picture frames, says paper strips around a feather quill - replicated Cronbaugh-Auld. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

FEATURE

Shaolin martial arts students follow their trainer, Sima Azimi, 20, in black, during a training session on a hilltop in Kabul, Afghanistan. — AP/AFP photos Afghan women practice ancient Shaolin martial arts

hile Afghanistan's Buddhists were carving the giant sandstone statues in Bamiyan in 500 AD, Buddhists Win China were creating martial arts in the Shaolin temple in Henan Province. Fifteen hundred years later, 10 eth- nic Hazara women and girls practice the martial arts of Shaolin on a hilltop in the west of Kabul. They are preparing for the day that Afghanistan can send its women's team to the Shaolin world championship in China. Sima Azimi, 20, who is originally from Jaghuri, in central Afghanistan, trains nine students in the martial arts to prepare for Olympic competition, but also to protect themselves on the streets of Kabul, where women are routinely harassed. Azimi remembered an incident in which a thief tried to snatch her purse, but with her martial arts skills she fought back and saved it. Raihana Amiri, also 20, hopes to participate in inter- national Shaolin competitions and bring honor and pride to Afghanistan, which is battered by decades of war. When they aren't training on the snow-covered hills that surround Kabul, Azimi trains her students in a grungy, dark club financed by a young cinema actor. Azimi said it was diffi- cult to find all the tools needed to train. For instance, she had to order a Shaolin sword from Iran, where she had studied the Shaolin martial arts students practice on a hilltop in the snow. art for three years. They could not find Shaolin uniforms, but, undeterred, they designed and ordered uniforms made by a aggressive sports. Many parents fear a sporting accident could Shaolin martial arts stu- Kabul tailor. result in a girl breaking her hymen before marriage, which is dents follow their trainer, While studying in Iran, Azimi competed in two competi- considered deeply shameful. While strides have been made Sima Azimi, 20, in black, tions where she won gold and bronze medals. A year after for women in Afghanistan, Azimi said there's still much to during a practice session returning to Afghanistan, she decided to train young girls who change. She firmly believes that girls and women can stand on a hilltop in Kabul. lived in the Hazara-dominated neighborhoods of the capital. toe-to-toe with boys in Shaolin martial arts. In an Olympic Most of her students are teenagers, while a few of the older Committee competition in Kabul, Azimi took first position students study in universities. Azimi charges between $2 and among female Shaolin participants. — AP $5 a month depending on what they can afford. "Some of my students' families had problems accepting their girls studying Wushu (martial arts)," she said. "But I went to their home and talked to their parents." In religiously con- servative Afghanistan, girls are often discouraged from

Shaolin martial arts students and their trainer have a snowball fight after their train- ing session in Kabul.

Afghan Wushu martial arts trainer Sima Azimi, 20, takes part in a train- Shaolin martial arts students practice on a hilltop in Kabul, ing session. Afghanistan. Afghan members of a Wushu martial arts group take a “selfie”.

Afghan members of a Wushu martial arts group display their skills.

Shaolin martial arts students practice at their club in An Afghan member of a Wushu martial arts group pos- Kabul. es for a photograph at the Shahrak Haji Nabi hilltop overlooking Kabul.

Shaolin martial arts students train at their club in A Shaolin martial arts student practices on a hilltop in Kabul. Kabul. Afghan women practice ancient Shaolin martial arts

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 39

Participants dressed as Vikings prepare to burn their viking galley ship at the culmination of the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands and culminates with up to 1,000 'guizers' (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into their Viking longboat and setting it alight later in the evening. — AFP Kazakhstan seeks to leap onto ballet world stage 'The Soviet Union did two things very well: Space exploration and ballet'

n the snowy foreground of a brand new steel and glass building in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, a dancer in national Idress stands frozen in a dramatic flourish, her body arching towards the sky. The cast-iron abstract sculpture stands at the entrance of the second major ballet theatre to have opened in the new capital in the last few years. Together they point to the energy-rich country's ambition to stamp its own mark on an art form inherited from its Soviet past. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union 25 years ago, ballet has enjoyed mixed fortunes in the Muslim-majority Central Asian region's newly independent countries. Much of Kazakhstan's multi-million-dollar ballet boom has been funded by the government, but private sponsors and international partners have also stepped in. President Nursultan Nazarbayev, 76, famously announced in 2013 that "a country that builds factories is thinking years ahead... a country that builds theatres is thinking in terms of centuries." Central Asia and unveiled in September. Three years earlier, the Keeping ballet at home At the Astana Ballet Theatre's opening last year, stars of city's largest theatre, Astana Opera, also with its own ballet During early independence, Kazakh ballet artists would also its troupe wowed spectators in a production curated by troupe, opened at a cost of $320 million (297 million euros). leave for foreign countries where their classical training was Brazilian resident choreographer Ricardo Amarante. "The The building is considered one of the architectural showpieces appreciated and they were better paid. Now, increasingly, the artistic level here is very strong: they can do Kazakh national of Astana, the capital since 1997. best ones stay. The prima ballerina of Astana Opera, Aigerim dance, classical ballet and contemporary," the neo-classical Beketayeva, starred at the London Coliseum in 2014 in popular specialist, who has been working with the troupe for the 'Space exploration and ballet' Russian choreographer Boris Eifman's production of Rodin. But last year, told AFP. "The support from the government is The money being poured into ballet and other arts, even as like her international award-winning male counterpart Bakhtiyar there and now it is important local ballet keeps its mind Kazakhstan suffers an oil-linked economic downturn, testifies Adamzhan, Beketayeva has remained attached to the Astana open to new styles to add, to build on, its classical founda- to the enduring appeal of cultural tastes popular in the Soviet Opera troupe, which she joined after being offered a flat in the tions," he added. era. Russian dancer Galina Ulanova, widely considered one of capital by the government. Next door to the 800-seat auditorium is the first certified the greatest ballerinas of all time, has helped drive the devel- "Often when you watch ballet artists you can see the effort, professional choreography academy recognized throughout opment of Kazakh ballet. Ulanova taught and danced in the their straining for perfection," Gulnara Zhumaseitova, a ballet country's former capital, Almaty, during World War II after expert at the Institute of Literature and Arts in Almaty, told AFP. being evacuated from the Kirov ballet in Leningrad, the former "But Beketayeva is so effortless and natural," she said. name for Saint Petersburg. Zhumaseitova said however that the government must use the Under the USSR, ballet became particularly popular in new academy to further develop "national dance that repre- major cities, where Russian-speaking elites helped buttress a sents our culture and traditions" as well as find its ballet niche cultural agenda driven by Moscow. Now ballet is "equally pop- on the world stage. "National productions based on our ular among Russian-speakers and Kazakh-speakers" in a coun- dances are something people might come from abroad to see. try where over a fifth of the population is ethnic Russian, says Currently, they can still watch a better version of Swan Lake in Svetlana Dzhalmagambetova, a former senator who sat on the London or Paris," she said. — AFP parliament's social and cultural development committee. "The Soviet Union did two things very well: Space explo- ration and ballet," said Kazakh-speaking Zhanat Zhunusbekova, after watching Amarante's ballet "Diversity" at the Astana Ballet Theatre. "We used to have to go to Russia to see a ballet like that. Now we have it here," she added.

Pre-Soviet national culture After the end of the Soviet era in 1991, state funding for the arts shriveled up across the region, which suffered a protracted economic slump. In the resource-poor countries of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan it has never recovered to pre-Soviet levels, driv- ing artists abroad in search of work. "They earn no more than $140 per month," Aigul Muratalieva, a teacher at Kyrgyzstan's main ballet school, told AFP referring to the country's ballet dancers. "They gain experience here then go abroad. Our repertoire has greatly diminished. We have no soloists to take on the leading roles in important productions." In other countries a new emphasis on pre-Soviet national culture has emerged at the expense of the classical arts. Turkmenistan's authoritarian first president Saparmurat Niyazov banned ballet along with opera, insisting both were out of synch with the country's Dancers performing at the opening of the Astana Ballet Theatre in the Kazakh capital of Astana. — AFP photos "national mentality".